Tooth-Colored Fillings – Haverhill, MA

Tooth-Colored Fillings: An Overview

A perfect blend of cosmetic artistry and restorative dentistry, tooth-colored fillings are a biocompatible composite resin that is made up of smooth plastic and glass particles. The composite resin comes with a precise color-matching guide to ensure it blends flawlessly with the surrounding tooth enamel. After the filling is complete, it is indistinguishable from the rest of the smile.

To place a tooth-colored filling, your dentist takes much the same approach as with a silver filling. Dr. Arakelian will clean out all decayed portions of the tooth and then sanitize the treated area. The enamel must remain completely dry for proper bonding, so the tooth is isolated throughout the treatment. After the tooth has been cleaned and dried, our team will apply an etching acid to roughen its surface. Then, the composite resin is placed, shaped, and cured under a special light. After it has hardened, Dr. Arakelian will adjust the filling to fit your bite. The process is completed in a single appointment to our Haverhill dental practice.

White vs. Silver Tooth Fillings

Compared to the silver alternative, tooth-colored fillings offer a number of benefits. Some of the key differences between these treatments include the fact that composite resin…

• Blends with the surrounding tooth enamel
• Restores chewing strength to the tooth
• Requires less removal of healthy tooth structure
• Is less sensitive to heat and cold
• Places less pressure on the surrounding tooth enamel
• Dries within minutes
• Is completely metal and mercury-free
• Provides an option for patients who are allergic or sensitive to metal
• Lasts for years with proper maintenance

Multiple Applications of Tooth-Colored Fillings

In addition to filling new cavities, tooth-colored fillings can replace old silver fillings. Patients who have visible amalgam fillings on or around the front teeth, or people who are concerned about the potential for mercury exposure with silver, may opt to have their fillings replaced. The composite resin can also make improvements to cosmetically flawed teeth, evening out chipped, broken, slightly gapped, or otherwise cosmetically flawed teeth. Known as direct bonding, the treatment is a more affordable alternative to other cosmetic treatments and is usually completed in just one visit to our office.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

If you have a new cavity or are interested in replacing existing silver fillings, do not hesitate to get in touch with your cosmetic dentist near Haverhill. This treatment restores your smile’s health without taking away from the overall beauty of your smile. Contact Dr. Arakelian’s office to schedule an appointment today!