When you’re diagnosed with decay, you probably have questions about what materials we use for fillings in our Encinitas, CA dental office. We believe that dentistry can be both functional and attractive. That is why we offer tooth-colored fillings to our patients. Tooth-colored fillings, called composite fillings, have a few main advantages.
Composite Fillings Require the Removal of Less Tooth Structure
When we place tooth-colored fillings, we have to remove less tooth structure than was necessary with amalgam fillings. Dr. Jordan will gently remove decay and damage before placing a composite filling and curing it. With amalgam fillings, a more significant amount of tooth structure had to be removed in order for the filling to be stable.
When we preserve your natural tooth structure, we are doing the best to preserve your oral health.
Composite Fillings Can Fix Small Cosmetic Flaws
If you have small chips, gaps, or imperfections in your teeth, we can sometimes use composite material to cosmetically enhance your smile. Cosmetic bonding is a non-invasive treatment that adds to your existing tooth structure. We can match the color of your teeth to the composite material and polish it to a shine. No one will notice you had dental bonding to repair your teeth.
Bonding does not work for bigger cosmetic issues and may not be suitable for back molar teeth that absorb force from chewing. Dr. Jordan can evaluate your specific case and determine if bonding is a good option for you.
Tooth-Colored Fillings Will Match Your Smile
Unlike amalgam fillings, you will not even notice your composite fillings because they will blend well with your natural teeth. Composite comes in a variety of shades so that we can keep your smile attractive and seamless. Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings will not make your teeth look dark or gray because the material we use will be the same color as your enamel.
Composite fillings do not whiten like your natural teeth, so if you are considering teeth whitening, you may want to do so before we place your composite fillings.