Tooth Colored Fillings

Today, patients are asking their dentists about white fillings because they want their teeth to look natural when they laugh, talk and smile. White fillings, also called composite fillings, are made of tooth-colored materials that restore the natural appearance of decayed or previously filled teeth. Your dentist may recommend them for restorations near the front of your mouth.

The procedure: After preparing your tooth, your dentist carefully applies an adhesive, followed by several thin layers of the tooth-colored composite. Once the filling is in place, it is chemically hardened with a special light. An advantage of composite fillings over other restorative techniques is that less of the tooth must be removed. This is due to the composite materials' ability to bond to the tooth adhesively. White fillings, like other dental materials may require periodic replacement.