At Mark Michna, DDS in Greenbrae, CA, we believe that restoring a tooth should mean restoring its strength and its natural beauty. For decades, the standard for filling cavities involved dark, noticeable amalgam (silver) fillings. While effective, these fillings often detracted from the overall appearance of a healthy smile.
Today, thanks to advancements in restorative dentistry, we proudly offer tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite fillings or white fillings. These innovative restorations provide a seamless, aesthetically pleasing solution for cavities, allowing us to repair damaged teeth discreetly and effectively.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings are made from a durable composite resin material, a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles. The key advantage of this material is its ability to be precisely matched to the natural shade of your existing teeth. Once placed and polished, a composite filling becomes virtually indistinguishable from your tooth structure, making your restoration invisible to the naked eye.
Beyond Aesthetics: The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
While their natural appearance is a major draw, tooth-colored fillings offer several other significant advantages:
- Natural Aesthetics: As their name suggests, they blend seamlessly with your natural tooth, ensuring that your smile remains bright and uniform. This is especially beneficial for visible teeth.
- Mercury-Free: Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings contain no mercury, offering a biocompatible option for patients concerned about metal content in their dental work.
- Preserves More Tooth Structure: The bonding process used with composite fillings often requires less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to amalgam fillings. This means we can be more conservative in treating your cavity.
- Stronger Bond: Composite resin forms a direct chemical bond with the tooth structure. This strong bond provides support to the weakened tooth, reducing the risk of fracture and sealing out bacteria more effectively.
- Versatility: Beyond cavities, composite resin can also be used for dental bonding to repair chips, cracks, or minor gaps, further enhancing the versatility of this material in cosmetic dentistry.
- Insulation: Composite resin acts as an insulator, reducing sensitivity to temperature changes that can sometimes occur with metal fillings.
The Tooth-Colored Filling Process at Mark Michna, DDS
Receiving a tooth-colored filling at our Greenbrae office is a straightforward and comfortable procedure:
- Diagnosis: During your regular dental check-ups and cleanings, Dr. Mark Michna will thoroughly examine your teeth for any signs of decay. X-rays may also be used to detect cavities between teeth or under existing restorations.
- Anesthesia (If Needed): If the cavity is deep or sensitivity is a concern, we will numb the area around the tooth with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
- Decay Removal: The decayed portion of the tooth is carefully and precisely removed.
- Preparation: The tooth is then thoroughly cleaned and prepared for bonding. A mild etching solution may be applied, followed by a bonding agent.
- Composite Application: Dr. Michna will apply the tooth-colored composite resin in layers. Each layer is hardened (cured) with a special curing light.
- Sculpting and Polishing: Once all layers are applied and hardened, Dr. Michna will carefully sculpt and shape the filling to match the natural contours of your tooth and ensure your bite is correct. The filling is then polished to a smooth, natural-looking finish.
Caring for Your Tooth-Colored Fillings
Caring for your tooth-colored fillings is just like caring for your natural teeth. Consistent oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, is crucial. Avoid biting on extremely hard foods or objects, and maintain your routine dental check-ups and cleanings to allow us to monitor the longevity and integrity of your fillings.
At Mark Michna, DDS, we are committed to providing the highest quality dental care. With tooth-colored fillings, we can restore your teeth with durable, beautiful results that seamlessly enhance your smile. If you suspect you have a cavity or are interested in replacing old amalgam fillings with tooth-colored alternatives, contact Mark Michna, DDS, in Greenbrae, CA, today to schedule your appointment!
