When you need a filling, the popular choice of filling material is amalgam. It is extremely strong and lasts at least fifteen years or more. The downside to amalgam, though, is that it is silver, and shows quite visibly against your natural tooth.


They work great for back teeth that undergo a lot of chewing and aren’t readily visible. If you require a filling in a tooth that is easy to see, don’t worry; there are plenty of options available.

Composite Resin

Composite resin is a mixture of ceramic, plastic and other materials that perfectly matches the color of your natural teeth. It isn’t as strong as amalgam, but the visible teeth don’t see as much chewing and grinding action, so strength isn’t really too much of an issue.


It requires less tooth structure to be removed before being applied. After the decay is removed from your tooth, the surface only needs to be roughed up with an acidic gel, allowing the material to bond. It is also a great material to use to fill in small cracks.

Inlays

An inlay is used to treat a cavity that is within the cusp of the tooth, often created out of ceramic or porcelain to match the color of your teeth. It is an indirect filling, created in a lab from an impression of the tooth and the cavity. This allows for an exact fit. Inlays are quite durable.


After the impression is taken, a temporary filling is given until the inlay is ready. Then, you will need to go back to the office to have the inlay cemented in place.

Onlays

An onlay is similar to an inlay except that it is used when more than one cusp is involved, but there isn’t enough damage to warrant a crown. The onlay builds up the structure of the tooth. Like an inlay, an onlay is an indirect filling, created in the lab, and requires two visits. And, it can also be created from ceramic or porcelain to match the rest of your natural teeth.


If you require a filling in a visible tooth, you don’t have to be stuck with silver shining bright every time you smile. There are plenty of tooth colored fillings available to restore your smile to its former beauty. Please contact us if you have any questions about your dental fillings.