Tooth-Colored Fillings
In recent years, tooth-colored fillings have essentially replaced metal fillings as the gold standard for cavity treatment. Also known as “composite” or “white” fillings, tooth-colored fillings are made of a robust composite resin that can closely match the shade of a natural tooth.
Patients of Dr. Kevin Sands, our Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, are consistently thrilled with the tooth-colored fillings custom-made by our dedicated team. These advanced restorations can protect the teeth from further damage while remaining virtually undetectable.
- Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
- Tooth-Colored Fillings vs. Metal Fillings
- Tooth-Colored Fillings Procedure
- Tooth-Colored Fillings Cost
What Are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?
When tooth-colored fillings are placed by an experienced and qualified dentist, they can offer a multitude of benefits. For one, they can effectively address cavities, or the tiny holes that appear in the enamel due to decay. Cavities are a widespread problem, but a tooth-colored filling can preserve the tooth’s structure and help prevent infection.
In addition, the material we use to create tooth-colored fillings is extremely durable and tends to be very long-lasting. As such, composite fillings can provide a very secure fit, as well as extra protection against bacteria, enamel fractures, and cracks.
Finally, tooth-colored fillings are famously natural-looking. Dr. Sands is world-renowned for his beautiful restorations, from fillings to porcelain veneers and beyond. He designs tooth-colored fillings to inconspicuously blend with natural enamel and enhance the overall smile aesthetic.
Tooth-Colored Fillings vs. Metal Fillings
While certain dentists continue to use metal fillings, tooth-colored fillings have largely rendered their traditional counterparts obsolete. Composite fillings are generally considered to hold many advantages over metal (also referred to as “amalgam”) fillings. These advantages include (but are not limited to):
- Less noticeable fillings (i.e., no glaring dark spots), resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing appearance
- A stronger, longer-lasting fusion with the natural tooth
- More preservation of the natural tooth (as tooth-colored fillings are typically smaller and require less tooth structure removal)
- No risk of expansion (as opposed to metal fillings, which can expand and cause fractures, possibly even leading to tooth loss)
Due to these advantages, Dr. Sands exclusively uses tooth-colored fillings at our Beverly Hills practice.
What Does the Tooth-Colored Filling Procedure Entail?
One of the most common restorative dental procedures performed every day, fillings are generally considered routine and minimally invasive. Prior to your treatment, Dr. Sands will meet with you to comprehensively examine your oral health and determine that a filling is the best course of action for you.
To begin the procedure, Dr. Sands will numb your gums and remove the decay from the tooth in order to prepare the space for a filling. In a process called dental bonding, he will build the filling by layering material in small amounts and hardening the resin with a specialized laser.
How Much Do Tooth-Colored Fillings Cost?
At our practice, tooth-colored fillings cost approximately $400 per tooth surface; however, it is important to note that this is a rough estimate, and a number of factors can influence the final price. These factors may include the location of the tooth being treated, the extent of preparation needed to place the filling, and the number of fillings being performed (if more than one).
Many dental insurance policies offer coverage for tooth-colored fillings, and we encourage you to check whether this is the case for your specific plan. If you so desire, our friendly office staff can help you better understand your benefits and communicate with your insurance as needed. We also offer access to third-party financing options for eligible patients through CareCredit® and Enhance Patient Financing.
To learn more about tooth-colored fillings or our other cosmetic dentistry services, feel free to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sands today.