Nearly everyone deals with tooth decay at some point. Studies show that a whopping 96% of Americans aged 50-64 have at least one current or previously filled cavity.
So, while it’s never fun to hear you have a cavity, it’s also not unusual—and, good news: Tooth restoration is now easier, safer, and more natural-looking than ever before, thanks to white fillings.
At Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics, Drs. Ken and Marnie Collins bring over 25 years of experience to their practice, serving South Hill in Spokane and Spokane Valley, WA. Known as Spokane’s Best Cosmetic Dentists, our team combines advanced restorative skills with a keen focus on aesthetics, ensuring you receive functional and visually pleasing fillings.
There are two main types of tooth-colored fillings: composite and ceramic. Each offers unique benefits and is suited to different needs. Here’s a closer look at both options.
Composite Fillings: Quick and Convenient
Composite fillings are a popular choice for small cavities and straightforward restorations. Made of a plastic resin blend with ceramic particles, composite fillings are easy to place and offer a natural look. Here’s what you can expect from composite fillings:
- Single-Visit Solution: Our dentists complete composite fillings in just one visit.
- Inexpensive Option: These fillings are affordable and highly accessible.
- Strong for Small Cavities: The composite is durable enough to handle everyday chewing forces in small areas.
- Natural Appearance: Our dentists match the shade of composite to your natural teeth, so they blend well with your natural tooth color, and no one will know they’re there.
After removing areas of decay, our dentists apply the putty-like composite resin material into the cavity and use a curing light to harden it. Once solid, they polish the filling to match the smoothness of your natural enamel.
Ceramic Fillings: Durable and Stain-Resistant
Ceramic or porcelain fillings are ideal for larger cavities or replacing old metal fillings. This type of filling uses the same material as crowns and veneers.
Custom-made in a lab, ceramic fillings are bonded to the tooth for a seamless fit. Here are some advantages of ceramic fillings:
- Enhanced Durability: Ceramic is stronger than composite, making it suitable for larger restorations.
- Stain Resistance: Ceramic fillings resist staining, so they stay white longer.
- Longevity: With proper oral health care, ceramic fillings last many years, often decades.
The process begins with taking an impression of your tooth, which we send to our dental lab to create a custom filling. Our dentists then use dental cement to permanently bond your new filling to your tooth at a second visit.
Tooth-Colored Fillings in South Hill in Spokane and Spokane Valley
If you’re considering white fillings, whether for a current cavity or to replace silver fillings, call Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics at 509-532-1111 for South Hill in Spokane or 509-927-2273 for Spokane Valley to book your appointment. We’re ready to make a customized tooth restoration plan for you.
