General Dentistry
Tooth-Colored Fillings in Newport Beach, CA
A Healthier, More Natural Way to Restore Your Smile
Your restorations should look as good as they function. Dr. Omid Haroonian repairs cavities and damage with tooth-colored composite fillings made from biocompatible, durable materials that match your tooth’s natural shade, so your filling blends right in.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings, also called composite or white fillings, repair teeth damaged by decay or small fractures using a resin material shaded to match your natural enamel. To place one, the decayed part of the tooth is removed, and the composite is bonded directly to the remaining tooth and shaped to restore its form. Because the material bonds to the tooth, it requires less removal of healthy tooth structure than a traditional silver (amalgam) filling. Composite also expands and contracts with temperature changes much like a natural tooth, and it is mercury-free. Whether you need a small filling or a larger repair, your restoration will feel smooth, look natural and help preserve your long-term dental health.
Advantages Over Silver Fillings
- Natural Appearance White fillings blend in with your enamel, with no dark spots or metallic edges.
- Minimally Invasive Composite bonds directly to the tooth and requires less removal of healthy structure.
- Durable and Flexible It expands and contracts with temperature changes like natural teeth, reducing the risk of cracking.
- Mercury-Free & Biocompatible Composite materials are non-toxic and designed to be safer for your body.
Inlays and Onlays for Larger Repairs
For larger areas of decay or damage, custom-crafted inlays and onlays offer a stronger, more aesthetic alternative to a traditional filling. These partial crowns restore the surface of the tooth while keeping a natural look. An inlay is best for cavities between the cusps of a tooth, and an onlay is used when damage extends across one or more cusps, providing full surface protection.
- Precision-milled ceramic. Digital imaging and milled ceramic craft your inlay or onlay with exceptional accuracy.
- Often one visit. In many cases there is no need for a temporary filling or a second appointment.
- Color-matched. Each restoration is custom fit and matched to your natural teeth.
- Stain-resistant. Durable ceramic that mimics the look of natural teeth.
Safe Replacement of Old Amalgam Fillings
- Specialized equipment to contain and remove mercury vapor
- Strict safety protocols for patient protection
- Fully biocompatible replacements
Still have outdated silver fillings? We offer safe amalgam removal and replace them with healthier, more attractive tooth-colored alternatives.
Why Choose The Newport Beach Dentist for Fillings?
- Cosmetic-quality restorations from an experienced cosmetic dentist
- Advanced imaging and digital technology
- Safe, modern alternatives to outdated silver fillings
- Compassionate care, with gentle sedation options if you are anxious
Experience metal-free dentistry that looks and feels natural. Book online or call (949) 646-2481.
The short answer
A tooth-colored filling is a composite restoration that repairs a tooth damaged by decay or a small fracture using a material shaded to match your natural enamel. The decayed area is removed, and the composite is bonded directly to the tooth and shaped, which preserves more healthy structure than a silver filling. It suits most small to moderate cavities, while larger areas of damage may call for a ceramic inlay or onlay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth-Colored Fillings
- What is a tooth-colored filling made of?
A tooth-colored filling is made of composite, a biocompatible material shaded to match your tooth. It is durable and designed to blend in with your natural enamel. Composite materials are mercury-free and non-toxic. Once placed, the filling feels smooth and looks natural.
- How are composite fillings different from silver fillings?
Composite fillings match your tooth color, while silver (amalgam) fillings leave dark spots and metallic edges. Composite bonds directly to the tooth, so less healthy tooth structure needs to be removed. It also expands and contracts with temperature changes like a natural tooth, which reduces the risk of cracking. And unlike amalgam, composite contains no mercury.
- Can you replace my old silver fillings?
Yes, we offer safe removal of old amalgam fillings and replace them with tooth-colored alternatives. Specialized equipment is used to contain and remove mercury vapor during the procedure. We follow strict safety protocols to protect you. The replacements are fully biocompatible.
- What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
An inlay fits within the cusps of a tooth, while an onlay extends across one or more cusps. Both are custom-crafted partial crowns used for larger areas of decay or damage. They are a stronger, more aesthetic alternative to a traditional filling. Dr. Haroonian will recommend the option that suits the size of the repair.
- Can an inlay or onlay be done in one visit?
In many cases, yes, we can complete a ceramic inlay or onlay in just one visit. We use digital imaging and precision-milled ceramic to craft the restoration with exceptional accuracy. That removes the need for a temporary filling or a second appointment. Dr. Haroonian will let you know whether your case qualifies.
- What if I am nervous about getting a filling?
If you are anxious about dental work or have a sensitive smile, we offer gentle sedation options. They help you feel relaxed and at ease throughout your visit. Let us know ahead of time how you feel. We will talk through your options before treatment.
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Paying for Your Care
We work with most major PPO dental insurance plans and are happy to verify your benefits before your visit.
Financing through CareCredit.
