A bright, healthy smile is often one of the first things people notice. And maintaining that smile goes beyond daily brushing and flossing. Dentistry has advanced significantly over the years, moving away from traditional silver fillings that are easily noticeable.
Now, tooth colored fillings offer a natural-looking, strong, and durable solution that restores teeth while preserving aesthetics. At The Tooth Co., a premier modern dental studio in Irvine, CA, patients receive exceptional care through the use of advanced technology and personalized service.
Whether you need to fill a new cavity or replace outdated metal restorations, composite fillings provide a comfortable and visually pleasing solution.
The Tooth Co.’s tooth colored fillings are made from composite resin, a blend of durable plastic and finely ground glass particles.
This combination mimics the natural translucency and shade of tooth enamel, allowing the restoration to blend seamlessly with your teeth. The material is carefully selected to match the unique color of each patient’s smile.
Composite resin adheres directly to the tooth’s structure. After the cavity is cleaned, layers of resin are applied to the tooth and then hardened with a curing light.
Each layer bonds tightly, strengthening the tooth while sealing out bacteria. This process is similar to patching a crack in a wall with a perfectly color-matched material—once complete, you can’t tell where the original damage was.
| Feature | Tooth Colored Fillings | Amalgam Fillings |
| Appearance | Natural, blends with teeth | Metallic, easily noticeable |
| Composition | Composite resin | Mercury & metal alloy |
| Bonding to Tooth | Chemically bonds | Held by mechanical retention |
| Durability | Excellent with proper care | Long-lasting but prone to cracks |
| Aesthetic Value | High | Low |
Tooth colored fillings provide a more natural look and feel, while amalgam fillings can stand out due to their silver color and may lead to more tooth structure removal during placement.
The most common use of composite fillings is treating cavities. Once decay is removed, the space is filled with composite resin, restoring both form and function to the tooth. This prevents further damage and maintains a smooth surface for everyday use.
Composite resin isn’t just for cavities. It can also repair chips and worn edges caused by accidents or grinding.
The resin is sculpted directly onto the tooth, giving it back its original shape and strength in a way that looks completely natural.
Many patients choose to replace old silver fillings with tooth colored alternatives. This improves aesthetics and eliminates visible metal when talking, laughing, or smiling. The result is a more uniform, polished appearance.
Composite fillings are customized to match the natural shade of your teeth. They blend in so well that it’s hard to tell where the filling starts and your tooth ends. This makes them especially useful for front teeth and other visible areas.
Unlike amalgam, which relies on physical retention, composite resin bonds chemically to the tooth. This creates a strong and durable restoration that actually reinforces the existing tooth structure rather than weakening it.
Tooth colored fillings are suitable for both front and back teeth. They’re strong enough for chewing surfaces while remaining subtle and aesthetically pleasing for areas that show when you smile.
Composite fillings are free of mercury and other metals. This makes them a good choice for patients who prefer biocompatible, metal-free dental solutions.
The process begins with a thorough examination. Once the cavity or damaged area is identified, local anesthesia is administered for comfort. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed carefully, leaving behind a clean, healthy surface.
After cleaning and preparing the tooth, a bonding agent is applied. Composite resin is then layered in small increments, allowing the dentist to shape it accurately to match your tooth’s natural contours.
Each layer of resin is hardened using a curing light. This ensures the filling bonds firmly to the tooth, creating a secure and long-lasting restoration.
Once the filling is set, the dentist shapes it to match the tooth’s original anatomy. It is then polished to a smooth, glossy finish that blends perfectly with surrounding teeth.
Tooth colored fillings typically last between 7 and 15 years. With excellent oral care, they can sometimes last even longer. Their lifespan depends on factors like the location of the filling and how well they’re maintained.
Brushing twice daily, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly all help extend the life of your fillings. Treating them like your natural teeth ensures they stay in excellent condition for years.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth gently. Pay attention to the gum line, where plaque tends to build up.
Chewing on hard objects, like ice or pens, can chip fillings. Using your teeth to open packages can also cause damage. If you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a night guard to protect your fillings.
Routine dental visits allow your dentist to check the condition of your fillings and catch any issues early. Professional cleanings also help keep the fillings smooth and stain-free.
It’s common to experience mild sensitivity to hot or cold after getting a filling. This usually resolves within a few weeks as the tooth adjusts.
Like natural teeth, fillings can wear down from daily use. Regular dental checkups can help monitor this and address any problems early.
Composite resin may pick up slight stains over time, especially from coffee, tea, or tobacco. Polishing during dental visits typically restores their brightness.
Small issues can often be repaired without replacing the entire filling. The dentist can add new resin to the affected area, restoring its shape and strength.
If the damage is more extensive, a complete replacement may be necessary to ensure proper protection and aesthetics.
A cavity is a problem—a hole caused by tooth decay. A filling is the solution—the material used to restore the tooth after decay has been removed. Fillings seal the space, preventing bacteria from entering and stopping further damage.
For front teeth, aesthetics are a priority. Composite fillings are ideal because they can be matched precisely to the natural tooth shade, preserving the beauty of your smile.
For molars, strength matters most. Modern composites are designed to withstand chewing forces, making them a reliable choice even for the back teeth.
Dentists select materials based on the tooth’s location and function. This ensures the best balance between appearance and durability.
Inlays and onlays are used when the damage is too large for a filling but not extensive enough for a crown. They are custom-made outside the mouth and then bonded in place for a perfect fit.
Crowns cover the entire tooth and are used when there’s significant structural damage. Fillings, on the other hand, are minimally invasive and preserve more of the natural tooth.
If a tooth has extensive decay, fractures, or large restorations, your dentist may recommend inlays, onlays, or crowns for long-term durability.
We at The Tooth Co. are a premier modern dental studio led by Dr. Perrin—valedictorian of his dental class and a leader in digital dentistry.
Our practice is conveniently located in Irvine, CA, where we combine advanced workflows, biomimetic techniques, and 3D printing to deliver precise, natural-looking results.
We offer a full range of services including cleanings, crowns, veneers, implants, root canals, clear aligners, and expert Tooth Colored Fillings. The Tooth Co. provides concierge-level care in a comfortable, modern environment.
Our office hours are Monday 9 AM–6 PM, Tuesday and Wednesday 8 AM–5 PM, Thursday 7 AM–4 PM, Friday 8 AM–12 PM, with Saturday appointments available by request.
If you’re ready to transform your smile, call or visit us today to schedule your appointment and experience dentistry at its finest.
Tooth colored fillings offer a modern, attractive, and reliable solution for restoring teeth. They blend seamlessly with your natural smile, strengthen tooth structure, and last for many years with proper care.
By choosing a trusted dental provider at The Tooth Co., you can enjoy both excellent dental health and a smile that looks as good as it feels.
On average, tooth colored fillings last 7 to 15 years, depending on their placement and how well they’re maintained.
Yes. Advances in composite technology have made them durable enough for both front and back teeth.
Yes. Modern composites are designed to handle the heavy chewing forces of molars.
They can pick up minor stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco, but these can usually be polished away during dental cleanings.
No. The treatment is typically painless, thanks to local anesthesia. Most patients feel comfortable throughout.
