Tooth-Colored Fillings & Porcelain Restorations
At Hadar Dental, we offer modern tooth-colored restorative options designed to repair damaged or decayed teeth while maintaining a natural, beautiful appearance.
Depending on the size and location of the restoration, treatment may include composite fillings, porcelain inlays, or onlays. These restorations can restore the function and appearance of your tooth while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Why Choose Tooth-Colored Restorations?
Traditional silver-colored amalgam fillings have been used for many years, but they are noticeable and may require the removal of additional tooth structure for placement.
Tooth-colored restorations offer a more natural-looking alternative and can be bonded directly to the tooth. This creates a strong connection between the restoration and the remaining tooth structure.
Benefits may include:
- Natural appearance that blends with your surrounding teeth
- Strong bonding to the tooth
- Preservation of healthy tooth structure
- Restoration of teeth weakened by decay or previous fillings
- Improved appearance compared with traditional metal-colored fillings
- Options ranging from conservative composite fillings to stronger porcelain or resin inlays and onlays
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are tooth-colored restorations used to repair areas of decay, fractures, or other minor-to-moderate damage.
The material is carefully matched to the natural color of your teeth and bonded directly to the tooth. Once placed and polished, the restoration can blend seamlessly with your smile.
Porcelain & Resin Inlays and Onlays
When a tooth has more extensive damage than can be comfortably restored with a traditional filling, an inlay or onlay may be recommended.
An inlay fits within the cusps of the tooth, while an onlay can extend over one or more cusps to help restore a larger area of the tooth.
These restorations can provide an excellent combination of strength, durability, and natural aesthetics.
Replacing Older Silver Fillings
If you have older metal-colored fillings, we can evaluate them to determine whether they should remain in place or be replaced.
Not every existing filling needs to be replaced simply because it is old. We evaluate each tooth individually and consider factors such as decay, cracks, leakage, wear, fracture, and the overall condition of the restoration.
When replacement is appropriate, we can discuss tooth-colored alternatives that may provide an improved appearance and restore the tooth’s function.
What to Expect
For an inlay or onlay, treatment may involve one or more appointments depending on the restoration and technology being used.
During Your Appointment
- We evaluate the tooth and determine the appropriate restoration.
- Any decay or compromised restoration is carefully removed.
- The tooth is prepared while preserving healthy tooth structure whenever possible.
- A digital scan or impression may be taken to create your custom restoration.
- A temporary restoration may be placed when necessary.
- Your final restoration is carefully fitted, bonded, and polished.
- Your bite is checked to ensure your restoration feels comfortable and functions properly.
The Result
The goal is a restoration that looks natural, feels comfortable, and functions like a healthy tooth.
At Hadar Dental, we combine modern restorative materials with advanced technology and meticulous attention to detail to help you maintain a healthy, strong, and beautiful smile.
Have an older filling you’d like us to evaluate? Contact Hadar Dental in Lexington, MA at (781) 860-7700 to schedule an appointment.
