Here at Tricia Mockler DDS, we are proud to offer our patients white fillings. These fillings are made out of composite resin, and are also known as tooth colored fillings or bondings. A tooth filling is a great way to fill in a damaged or chipped tooth. Composite resin is a durable material that can withstand the force of chewing. It is also color matched to your natural teeth, so it will blend in seamlessly with your smile. If you are interested in getting a white filling, please call our office to book an appointment. We would be happy to help you restore your smile!
Contact Dr. Mockler and her team at Cupertino Dental Group to set up a consultation at their state of the art facilities.
White Fillings Q & A
A white filling is made out of composite resin, and is also known as tooth-colored fillings or bondings. A tooth filling is a great way to fill in a damaged or chipped tooth. Composite resin is a durable material that can withstand the force of chewing. It is also color matched to your natural teeth, so it will blend in seamlessly with your smile.
A silver filling is made out of amalgam, and is also known as a mercury filling. Mercury fillings are not as durable as composite resin fillings, but they are less expensive. Metal fillings are still used in special situations, but in most cases, a resin, tooth color filling is a better option, and requires removing less of the healthy tooth.
Yes, absolutely! Composite resin is a safe and durable dental material. It is made of plastic and glass particles, and is bonded to the tooth with a special type of resin cement.
Historically, composite resin fillings used to not be as strong as metal fillings, but with today’s composite resin compounds, they are just as strong as metal fillings, and more than strong enough to withstand the force of normal chewing.
With proper preventative care, your dental filling should last for many, many years. However, just like your teeth, they require regular cleanings and routine checkups.
Fillings are also susceptible to decay, just like your natural teeth. So it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits at home.
The lifespan of a filling can depend on the amount of force that is exerted on it, so if you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), your fillings may not last as long. However, a good dentist can usually tell if you are grinding your teeth, and can make recommendations to help protect your fillings.
Tooth-colored fillings do cost slightly more than metal fillings. The materials are more expensive, and placing a tooth-colored filling is a more technique-sensitive procedure.
However, many dentists prefer to use tooth-colored fillings because they are less invasive, require removing less of the healthy tooth, and are more aesthetically pleasing.
Dr. Mockler exclusively uses tooth-colored fillings for her patients.