Composite resin tooth-colored fillings stop decay and provide the aesthetics you want.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

For some, the appearance of standard silver amalgam fillings is unattractive. They are noticeable when you smile and can cause your teeth to appear discolored.

If you need a filling but don’t want it to be visible, tooth-colored composite fillings are the perfect solution. We can also use composite filling material to restore chipped teeth or fill small gaps between teeth to give you a more even, appealing smile.

What Is a Composite Filling?

Composite fillings are a mixture of resins, glass particles, and colorants that impart a translucent appearance similar to tooth enamel. The composite is applied to the tooth in layers and hardened using ultraviolet light. Unlike silver amalgam fillings, composites placed by your dentist match the color of your natural teeth and provide a seamless tooth repair.

Since the composite bonds directly to your tooth, these fillings require less removal of the healthy tooth, which leaves more remaining tooth structure intact. Composite fillings are also less prone to cracking and chipping than amalgam fillings due to temperature changes in your mouth.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr. Jasmine Gear

Hello, and welcome! I’m Dr. Jasmine Gear, and I’m thrilled to be your trusted dentist. My journey has taken me from Owings Mills to Catonsville, and it has truly been an incredible adventure.

My passion for dentistry began in high school when I spent my summer vacations assisting in my aunt’s private dental practice. It was during those formative years that I discovered my true calling.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in biology from Southern Connecticut State University in 2013. The following year, I was accepted into the Howard University College of ...

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How Is a Composite Filling Placed?

To place a composite filling, the dentist numbs the area if necessary and removes any decay. The remaining tooth structure is then etched to create a rough surface to which the composite can bond.

Our dentist will match the shade of your natural tooth and mix a composite that they apply and harden in layers. Once built up, the filling will be shaped to accommodate your dental bite and look natural. The final step is to polish the filling, so it blends in perfectly.

We may use a semi-direct or indirect filling for areas needing larger repairs. This process involves a composite built up inside the mouth and then removed for curing or a filling manufactured outside of the mouth and cured. This allows for stronger curing and a more sturdy composite filling. Once the composite material is cured, it is bonded to your natural tooth.

Why Choose Composite?

While tooth-colored fillings are usually more expensive than silver amalgam fillings, they offer a better aesthetic than metal fillings. The filling material also acts more like a natural tooth, helping to avoid fractures due to uneven stress when biting.

Contact our office today to make an appointment so we can answer all your questions about tooth-colored composite fillings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do tooth-colored fillings look natural?

Yes. Unlike amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings are a custom-mixed resin composite. The composite mixture is matched to your tooth color and bonded directly to the tooth. This usually results in a filling that is nearly indistinguishable from your natural tooth.