Tooth-Colored Fillings – Stratford, CT

A Beautiful, Resilient Treatment for Cavities

Nose-to-chin view of woman smiling with mirror reflecting her teeth

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that can eventually erode your enamel. Unfortunately, it typically doesn’t resolve on its own and can significantly increase the risk of other issues, such as infection or further damage, the longer it remains unaddressed.

Historically, dentists relied on metal amalgam restorations, but today, Dr. Sheng provides a beautiful, resilient treatment for cavities with tooth-colored fillings. Continue reading to learn more about this standard solution and how it works, so you know what to expect from your procedure!

Why Choose Stratford Smiles for Tooth-Colored Fillings?

  • Advanced Digital Cavity Detection
  • Dental Sedation Available
  • Accept Dental Insurance

What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Woman’s fillings being hardened with UV light

Unlike amalgam repairs, which are made from mixtures of powdered metals such as silver, tin, copper, and zinc, with about 50% liquid mercury as a bonding agent, this treatment uses an FDA-approved composite resin that contains finely ground particles of quartz, glass, ceramic, or silica.

This biocompatible material can be customized to match the shade of your teeth, and because it bonds with your enamel, it helps preserve more of the natural strength and structure than silver fillings usually do. This personalized treatment can therefore improve your dental health while simultaneously boosting your confidence in your appearance.

The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling

Illustration of resin applied to cavity

You must schedule a consultation with Dr. Sheng so she can examine your mouth and determine whether this service is the best way to meet your needs. Once she determines that you’re a good candidate, we’ll proceed by numbing your mouth with a local anesthetic to prevent potential discomfort. We also offer two options for dental sedation as needed.

Then, we’ll carefully remove any damaged sections of enamel and sanitize your tooth before applying the color-matched, putty-like resin in layers. Once the cavity has been filled, our team bonds the material in place by exposing it to a special ultraviolet curing light. Finally, we’ll remove any excess materials and polish the results before wrapping up your visit.

The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

Woman in dental chair smiling into mirror with dentist touching her shoulders

There are several excellent reasons to repair cavities with more lifelike restorations, including:

  • Preventing additional damage. Treating tooth decay prevents it from spreading to neighboring teeth, your connective tissues, and your jawbone.
  • Preserving more of your tooth. Metal fillings require that notches are carved to help hold them in place, but resin bonds with your teeth to maintain their natural structure and strength.
  • Improve your appearance. The customizable material is carefully crafted to match your teeth for seamless results no one is likely to notice.
  • Convenient service. This procedure can often be completed in a single, hour-long visit.
  • Easy maintenance. The results can last 5 to 10+ years with proper care, which involves a consistent at-home dental hygiene routine and visits to our team every 6 months for a standard checkup and cleaning.