Tooth-Colored Fillings = Composite Fillings

                                            

Tooth-colored fillings are the same as composite fillings. Composite is a blend of plastics and small glass particles that are used to do small and large fillings for front and back teeth. 

1.     Why people like tooth-colored fillings?

·       Good color match; very natural bonded to the front teeth, cannot tell that there is a filling done.

·       Bonds directly to the enamel

·       Strong, resist wear

·       Tooth-colored or composite filling can be completed in one dental visit

·       Composite fillings for chipped, fractured, discolored, decaying teeth

·       Less drilling is involved than with other types of fillings (amalgam/silver)

**Consult with Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Anna Lee about which type of filling will function best for you.

2.     What to avoid with tooth-colored fillings?

·       Hard candy, ice cubes

·       Opening food packaging, chewing pen caps, biting fingernails

·       Stain inducing beverages: tobacco products (smoking), tea, and coffee, red wine, blueberries and others. Avoid these drinks and foods for the first 2 days after bonding procedure.

**practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth 2 times per day and flossing daily. Dr. Anna Lee recommends that you visit your dentist at least every 6 months. 

How long do they last?

·       Tooth-colored or composite fillings last more than 5 years.  With current advances in composite materials, many are holding up even longer.

·       Taking good care of the bonded teeth by having good oral hygiene, avoiding certain foods, drinks and habits would increase the chance of longer, lasting fillings in your mouth.

What is the procedure?

·       Local anesthesia: to numb the area around the tooth

·       Tooth decay removal: the dentist removes the decay with a drilling instrument and shapes the space to hold the composite filling

·       Etching: the dentist etches the tooth with an acid gel before placing the composite filling

·       Composite application: the dentist places the composite filling material into the space and hardens it with a bright light.  This makes the filling strong.

·       Polishing: after the composite filling has been placed and hardened, the dentist polishes the tooth and filling.

Are tooth-colored fillings covered by insurance?

·       Most insurance companies cover tooth colored fillings when done on the anterior (front) teeth

·       Some insurance companies pay the allowance for an amalgam if the tooth-colored fillings are done on the posterior (back) teeth. 

·       Call Dr. Anna Lee’s dental office, our office treatment coordinator will call for your dental benefits

**Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA.  If you have any questions about tooth-colored fillings, please visit us at www.annaleeddds.com or call for a FREE consultation at 626-335-5114.