Tooth-Colored Fillings

Traditional metal fillings help to preserve decayed teeth, but they can also cause unwanted attention and make you feel hesitant to smile. Tooth-colored fillings in Spokane, WA, are an attractive alternative because they preserve your tooth while being indistinguishable from others at the same time. You may also hear our dental team refer to tooth-colored fillings as composite resin fillings or white fillings. Tooth-colored fillings contain a combination of glass particles, plastic, and silica.

Composite Fillings May Be Safer

Besides appearance concerns, some dental patients worry about the metal present in the typical filling material causing health problems. While the research on this topic has been inconclusive, Jarvis, Nelson, & Pedey Family Dentistry is happy to offer an option that helps patients feel safer and happier about their smiles.

Other Facts About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Since these fillings are not always as durable as traditional metal fillings, they are only appropriate to place if you have small or medium-sized pockets of decay on your tooth. Your treated tooth must withstand frequent and intense pressure from chewing, so be sure to avoid using that tooth to break apart extremely hard food.

White fillings cost more than silver amalgam fillings, and you may need to replace them more often. However, taking care of your diet and oral healthcare can extend the lifespan of your tooth-colored filling to be more in line with standard fillings. Most dental insurance companies cover composite fillings due to the necessity of treating cavities. Unfortunately, a small percentage of insurers consider tooth-colored fillings cosmetic, so be sure to check with your provider before scheduling your dental work.