White Fillings

These composite resins – which the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) explains as a blend of plastics and small glass particles – aren’t just good for repairing cavities; they can also be used to change the color or shape of a tooth. The procedure is simple and consists of just one appointment. Dr. Yates will first choose the shade of composite that best matches your tooth color. After removing the decay, he or she will use a special curing light to harden each layer of filling material. The filling will be shaped to fit your tooth and polished so that it remains smooth and resistant to staining.

Why People Like White Fillings

One of the leading advantages of composites is that, with a good color match, it’s almost impossible to see that the tooth had to be restored. And because these fillings bond directly to the enamel, they’re strong and resist wear, usually lasting more than five years. With current advances in composite materials, many are holding up even longer. Although they cost less than gold fillings, composites are more expensive than amalgams. Most insurance companies cover these fillings when done on your front teeth, but some carriers will only pay the allowance for an amalgam if the composite is used for a posterior tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

This is what our customers typically ask about when it comes to white fillings.

How are teeth filled with dental composite?

After removing plaque, tartar, decay, and any existing filling, the treatment site is cleaned and then dried. To aid the bonding, the tooth surface is etched and coated with a gel and bonding solution. Once prepared, the white filling material is placed into the tooth cavity, or area to be filled, and then molded to match the tooth contours. A curing light is then used to harden the filling before it is trimmed and polished to look like a natural part of your tooth.

What are direct and indirect white fillings?

There are two types of white filling – direct and indirect – and they are based on when the light is used during the curing procedure. Direct white fillings or dental composites are hardened with a curing light after the white filling material is used to fill the cavity and molded to match the tooth’s shape. This direct procedure is used for dental treatments such as disguising gaps, tooth-reshaping, and fillings. In the indirect procedure, the white filling material is first cured with light in a lab before it is placed within the mouth. This method is used more frequently for larger tooth cavities, reshaping, inlays and onlays, and partial crowns.

What are the risks and benefits of white fillings?

Inherent risks exist in all dental procedures, but the main concern with white fillings is their durability and potential shrinkage. However, new technology and dental procedures are resulting in stronger, longer-lasting, and lower-shrinkage white fillings.

The benefits far outweigh such problems, because white fillings:

Can restore not only teeth cavities caused by decay, but chipped, broken, and worn teeth.
The color can be harmonized to your normal tooth color to appear natural, so it isn’t noticeable when you smile.
May be used as a veneer over stained or discolored teeth.
Preparation and treatment require less time.
Can be combined with other dental treatments, such as inlays, crowns, and bridges.

"Could not ask for a more caring, competent and knowledgeable team. Dr. Yates has changed my life with his expertise. When I sit in his chair I have complete confidence in his skills and those of his staff."

Mary P

"I have been very fortunate to have been a patient of Dr. Edward Yates since 2004. He has taken exceptional care of me and my family, particularly providing my children with the most amazing smiles! His pain management is amazing, I have never experienced any discomfort during the root canals and crowns that he has performed for me. His technology is outstanding, crowns are completed in one visit. Dr. Yates and his staff are outstanding!"

Cathy W

"Best cleaning I have ever had was by Johanna. Very thorough. Would definitely recommend. I'm moving an hour away but will only use this office for my dental work from now on. Very clean and friendly."

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