White Fillings

White fillings, also called composite fillings, are made from a mixture of quartz filler in a tooth-colored resin base that restores the natural appearance of a decayed or previously filled tooth.  Composites are adhered to the tooth structure, and allow for Dr. Collins to make a more conservative repair.

For over a century dental amalgam (silver) fillings were the most commonly used material.  However, due to mercury content within the filling, and the nature of the filling to expand over time and ultimately split the tooth structure open, many doctors now prefer to avoid this type of filling.  For this, we recommend composite fillings for all teeth, not just front teeth.

A composite filling usually only requires one visit to our office, during which the tooth is prepared and restored.  Due to the composite material's ability to bond to the surface of the tooth, it requires less of the natural tooth to be removed.  Once Dr. Collins has removed the decay, she applies a thin layer of adhesive, followed by several thin layers of tooth-colored composite.  It is then chemically cured for less than a minute with a special light.  Afterwards, a second clear resin material is spread over the filling to protect the it from natural chewing wear and seals it protectively.