Tooth Colored Fillings in Houston, TX
Looking to treat cavities without visible metal in your mouth? At Vintage Smile Family Dentistry, we focus on tooth-colored fillings in Houston, TX, offering our patients a long-lasting and visually appealing alternative to traditional silver amalgam fillings. Our aim is to restore your dental health while making sure your smile appears completely natural and beautiful.
What Are Tooth Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored or composite fillings are composed of a mixture of plastic or resin and glass fragments. Unlike metallic fillings, which do not bond to the tooth, composite resin bonds directly with the tooth. The resin material comes in various shades to match the patient’s natural tooth color.
Benefits of Composite Fillings
Composite resin fillings offer many benefits compared to older dental materials. These benefits include:
Better Appearance
The biggest advantage is how natural they look. Metal fillings can turn dark gray or black over time, making teeth appear unhealthy. Tooth-colored fillings are matched to your natural enamel, so you can smile and speak confidently without worrying about visible metal.
Less Tooth Removal
Silver fillings require removing a lot of healthy teeth to create space for the metal. Because composite resin bonds directly to the tooth, we can preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
Stronger Support
Resin actually bonds to the tooth and helps hold it together, bringing back most of its natural strength. Metal fillings do not bond at all, they just sit inside the tooth, and the pressure from everyday chewing can eventually cause the tooth to crack or split.
Less Sensitivity
Metal fillings pick up heat and cold very quickly, which is often why people feel a sharp sensation when drinking something hot or cold. Composite resin does not react the same way, so teeth tend to feel a lot less sensitive after getting this type of filling.
Mercury-Free and Safe
Mercury in silver fillings is a concern that comes up often among patients. Composite fillings do not contain any mercury and are made from materials that work well with the natural tooth.
What Happens During the Procedure
The appointment is straightforward and patients are walked through each step along the way. To start, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area so there is no discomfort during the procedure. In case the patient feels uncomfortable, we can use some sort of sedation to make the process easier.
When the tooth is numb, our team removes the part of the tooth that needs to be restored. Then, we clean the area thoroughly to ensure the filling bonds securely and lasts for years. To achieve this, we use a specific etching gel that makes the tooth surface ready for bonding.
Our dentist starts applying a composite resin on the tooth in small layers. This way, it is easier to match the shade of the filling to the natural color of the tooth. They use a high-intensity light to harden the resin. When the cavity has been filled, they shape it to make sure it perfectly matches the shape of the rest of your teeth.
Why Choose Us for Composite Fillings in Houston, TX
We take pride in offering our services to Houston’s multilingual population since all of our employees speak multiple languages, ensuring you will fully comprehend your dental procedure. Situated in Vintage Park, our office is purposely built to offer you a calming experience in which you feel at home during your visit.
Moreover, we keep our costs down by accepting all major dental insurance providers, including PPO and HMO plans, Medicaid, MCNA Dental, and DentaQuest. However, for those without dental insurance, we have a special in-office membership plan with substantial savings on restorative dentistry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do tooth-colored fillings last?
With good care, such as brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, composite fillings can last about 7 to 10 years or even longer.
Will my insurance cover white fillings?
Many insurance plans cover tooth-colored fillings for front teeth. For back teeth, some plans may only cover the cost of a silver filling, so there might be a small extra fee.
Can I eat right after the appointment?
Yes, the filling hardens right away with a special light. However, it’s best to wait until the numbness goes away so you don’t accidentally bite your lip or tongue.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Don’t let a cavity ruin your smile. Restore your health and your confidence with tooth-colored fillings in Houston, TX. Call us at (281) 251-7770 to book your appointment.
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