Tooth-Colored Fillings Bellaire
Durable, Discreet Dental Restorations for a Healthier Smile
It used to be that when your dentist found a cavity in your tooth, they filled it with an amalgam metal filling that while effective, left an unsightly dark spot in your smile. Today’s tooth-colored fillings in Bellaire offer all the protection of their amalgam predecessors but have the advantage of being completely color-matched to your healthy teeth, providing years of discreet protection while restoring the functionality of your gorgeous grin!
Why Choose Dr. Stacy Hebert-Schoener for Tooth-Colored Fillings?
- Discreet, Natural-Looking Restorations
- Same Day Emergency Appointments Available
- We Welcome Dental Insurance / Flexible Financing & In-House Membership Plans Available.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings in Bellaire are composite resin restorations used to repair damaged areas of a tooth suffering from a cavity or decay. Using a compound made of miniscule particles of glass and ultrafine plastic, this putty-like substance is used to “fill in” areas of removed enamel and then hardened with a special UV curing light. As their name implies, tooth-colored fillings can even be matched to the exact shade of your healthy teeth, so they blend in seamlessly. In fact, most restorations look so natural you may forget which teeth have them!
The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling
One of the best things about tooth-colored fillings in Bellaire is how quickly they can repair a damaged tooth. In fact, most treatments can be completed in a single appointment of about an hour, depending on the size of the cavity. The process itself is simple: first, you’ll arrive at our office, where you’ll be welcomed back to a comfy dental chair. Then, we’ll numb the tooth and surrounding area. Once you’re comfortable, Dr. Hebert-Schoener will carefully remove the damaged areas of the tooth and sanitize it. She will then color-match the composite resin to your existing teeth and gently apply it in layers to rebuild the enamel.
Once restored, she will harden the composite resin with a UV light, and in just a few short seconds, your restoration will be ready to be buffed and polished. You’ll then be free to resume your daily activities with zero downtime, and your newly restored tooth will be ready to use immediately with no restrictions!
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
While amalgam metal fillings were long the gold standard in fillings, today’s tooth-colored fillings have some significant advantages. Not only do they look and feel more like your real teeth, but they won’t change color with time like some teeth do with amalgam metal restorations. Furthermore, because they contain no metal, they are safer for people with metal sensitivities or allergies. Composite resin has also been found to attach more securely to teeth, and because they require your dentist to remove less enamel, you’ll get to preserve more of your natural smile!
Another drawback of metal fillings is that because they expand and contract with hot or cold stimuli, they often cause painful tooth sensitivity. However, because tooth-colored fillings won’t change shape or size, they won’t weaken the tooth or increase its risk of damage, either.
Finally, tooth-colored fillings in Bellaire are just as (if not more) durable than amalgam metal fillings, and with proper care can last up to seven years with the same practices you use to keep your untreated teeth healthy, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting Dr. Hebert-Schoener every six months for your preventive dental exams and cleanings!