Natural-Looking Cavity Repair
Inlays and Onlays are tooth-colored restorations that are used in place of silver fillings on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Unlike silver fillings made from metals that may cause further damage to teeth, these cosmetic fillings look extremely natural and typically require that far less of the tooth be removed.
At Hamilton Dental, we use modern tooth-colored fillings in Austin that are strong, long-lasting, and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. This means your smile stays both healthy and beautiful—without the noticeable look of traditional metal fillings.
Biocompatible, Natural-Looking Dental Fillings
The best way to prevent tooth decay and cavities is by maintaining consistent at-home oral hygiene and scheduling professional cleanings and dental exams twice a year at Hamilton Dental in Austin. However, even with excellent preventive care, cavities can still develop over time. When they do, dental fillings remain the most reliable option for restoring teeth affected by decay.
At Hamilton Dental, our experienced restorative and cosmetic dentists, Drs. Hamilton, use only biocompatible, tooth-colored, and metal-free materials. With a precise and artistic approach, they create restorations that blend flawlessly with your natural enamel, leaving you with a healthy, beautiful smile.
Differences Between Tooth-colored Fillings and Metal Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings serve the same purpose as traditional silver fillings—restoring a tooth after decay—but the similarities stop there. For over 200 years, silver amalgam was the standard filling material. While durable and long-lasting, amalgam is an alloy made from multiple metals, including small amounts of mercury.
Beyond the potential health concerns of placing mercury in the body, metal fillings naturally expand and contract with temperature changes. Over time, this movement can weaken the tooth and the filling itself, creating space for new decay.
Tooth-colored fillings, on the other hand, are crafted from a strong porcelain and resin composite. This material bonds securely to the tooth’s surface, strengthening its structure. Composite fillings set in just minutes—unlike silver amalgam, which can take hours to harden—and blend perfectly with your natural teeth for a seamless appearance.
Research shows that composite resin fillings can match the lifespan of silver amalgam, without the risks or structural damage caused by metal-based materials.
The Process of Filling Your Tooth with Composite Resin at Hamilton Dental
At Hamilton Dental, your dentist begins by carefully selecting a shade of composite resin that blends seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, any decay is gently removed from the cavity. The tooth is then cleaned and disinfected to ensure a healthy foundation for the restoration.
A bonding agent is applied to the prepared surface, followed by thin layers of composite resin. Each layer is hardened using a special UV light. Your dentist skillfully shapes and sculpts the resin to match your tooth’s natural contours before curing the final layer and giving it a high-polish finish.
The result is a strong, natural-looking tooth restoration that blends flawlessly with your smile—leaving no visible trace of treatment.
Replacing Old Metal Fillings with Tooth-colored Composite Resin in Hamilton Dental
With advancements in cosmetic dentistry, many people are choosing to replace old silver amalgam fillings with modern, tooth-colored composite resin. But if your metal fillings aren’t causing issues, should you replace them? Ultimately, the choice is yours—and the team at Hamilton Dental is here to guide you.
Some patients decide to replace their fillings to eliminate any potential risk of mercury exposure. Others want to prevent future tooth damage that can occur from the expansion and contraction of metal fillings. Whatever your reason, we’ll help you carefully weigh the benefits and considerations so you can make the decision that’s right for your smile.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Over Metal Fillings
Many patients today prefer a natural-looking option when repairing cavities. At our office, we are proud to provide tooth colored fillings in Austin that blend seamlessly with your smile. Unlike traditional metal restorations, these fillings offer several important benefits.
A Natural Appearance
Our tooth-colored fillings match the shade of your natural teeth. This allows us to restore your smile without leaving visible silver or dark spots, so your teeth look healthy and natural.
Strong and Durable
Modern composite materials are designed to be long-lasting. We carefully bond the filling to your tooth, giving it added strength and stability for everyday use.
Preserves More of Your Tooth
Unlike metal, these fillings require less drilling. This means we can keep more of your natural tooth structure intact, which helps maintain long-term oral health.
Mercury-Free and Safer for You
Tooth-colored options are mercury-free, giving patients peace of mind. We provide safe, reliable care while focusing on your comfort and well-being.
Comfortable Fit and Feel
Because composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, they fit more securely. This creates a natural bite and minimizes the chances of future sensitivity.
