Tooth Colored Fillings or Cosmetic Bonding

The materials used for bonding a tooth-colored filling will be either direct composite resin or lab-fabricated porcelain restorations:

• Composite is a resin material reinforced with nano-sized glass particles to add wear resistance and strength. There are a number of different shades of composite which can be mixed to achieve very good esthetics. Composite is used as a ‘white filling' and will be replaced periodically throughout a patient's life.
• Porcelain is fabricated by a laboratory, sometimes with the aid of computerized scanning and milling technology to make restorations that replace part of a tooth or the entire covering of a tooth. Porcelain restorations are used as inlays, onlays, veneers or full crowns in dentistry when enough tooth structure is compromised and added strength or esthetics is needed to restore a tooth properly. These fillings require an additional visit to try in and cement the restoration.

Tooth-colored restorations are an extremely sensitive technique and require excellent patient compliance and tooth isolation to achieve an ideal result. Because they bond directly to the tooth structure, they are more conservatively prepared than conventional restorations. It is normal to sometimes experience sensitivity to hot and cold when white fillings are first placed, however, this will subside in a few days. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits and regular dental visits will extend the life of your new fillings.

This process improves the aesthetics of your smile while allowing the tooth to maintain a natural appearance. In order to bond a tooth, tooth colored material is added to the tooth to build it up.

• Correct the shape of a chipped tooth
• Correct the appearance of a cracked tooth
• Provide more even tooth color

• Bonding can be a less expensive treatment than other cosmetic options
• An appointment for bonding treatment usually takes less than one hour to complete
• Bonding usually allows the tooth’s structure to be preserved

Bonding may sometimes be preferred over veneers or crowns but may not be as long-lasting or durable.  Bonding material can stain from coffee, tea, tobacco or some foods so proper home care is important.