Tooth-Colored Fillings in Chicago

Restore and Protect Your Smile

Cavities are small holes that develop in the teeth and can wreak havoc on your oral health if left untreated. Not only do they have the ability to cause painful symptoms like toothaches, but they weaken your tooth’s enamel making them more vulnerable to bacteria and decay. Thankfully, tooth-colored fillings can help.

Fillings are an ideal solution for patients looking to restore and protect their smiles from cavities. At Contos Smile Center, our Chicago, IL dentist Dr. Contos is proud to offer mercury-free fillings made with a customizable composite resin. Read on to learn more about this restorative dentistry treatment and how you may benefit.

What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Also known as composite fillings, tooth-colored fillings can restore your natural tooth structure by filling in the space left by cavities. They can also help protect your teeth from bacteria and further damage.

Our fillings are made from a safe composite resin that Dr. Contos can mold to match the shape and size of your natural tooth for a seamless appearance. Unlike silver (amalgam) fillings, composite resins won’t leak and stain your teeth over time.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

There are several unique advantages of composite fillings, making them more attractive than metal-based fillings. Some of these benefits include:

• Natural Appearance: Unlike silver fillings, tooth-colored fillings are customized to match your natural tooth and blend seamlessly in with your smile.
• Mercury-Free: Tooth-colored fillings are made of a safe composite resin. Fillings with mercury may break down and leak over time, staining your teeth and gums.
• Durable and Long-Lasting: With proper care, tooth-colored fillings can last between five to 15 years before needing to be replaced. They’re also not as likely to quickly wear down as metal-based fillings.
• Preserves Tooth Structure: Much less of the natural tooth is removed for tooth-colored fillings than for metal-based fillings, maintaining the tooth’s natural structure.

When Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Necessary?

Our Chicago restorative dentist will likely recommend tooth-colored fillings for patients suffering from:

• One or more cavities
• Severely decayed teeth
• Persistent toothaches
• Broken or lost fillings

The Tooth-Colored Filling Process

You could enjoy a restored smile in just one visit to our Chicago, IL dental office. Dr. Contos will first administer a local anesthetic to numb your tooth and surrounding areas. He’ll then use a laser to remove decay from the tooth and prepare the new surface for your filling.

After the composite material has been placed and molded to the desired shape, the filling is hardened by the use of a special curing light that is focused on the tooth. At this point, Dr. Contos will shape and grind down the material to fit perfectly with your bite.

Once you are satisfied with the placement of the filling, Dr. Contos will polish the surface to achieve smoothness and texture that matches your natural teeth. You’re then ready to leave our Chicago office with a beautifully restored smile!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do tooth-colored fillings last?

A tooth-colored filling can last anywhere between five and 15 years with proper care. This includes maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice a day. It’s also essential to schedule biannual visits to our Chicago dentist for routine cleanings and exams.

Are tooth-colored fillings safe?

The composite resin in tooth-colored fillings is completely safe. This material includes BPA (Bisphenol A), which the American Dental Association states doesn’t pose any health risks when used in low amounts.

Can I replace my silver filling with a tooth-colored filling?

If you have a silver or metal-based filling and want to replace it with a tooth-colored filling, you may be able to do so. During your initial consultation, Dr. Contos will perform a thorough examination of your current fillings and determine if it’ll be safe enough to switch them out for tooth-colored fillings.

Schedule Your Appointment With Our Chicago Restorative Dentist

Teeth affected by cavities are much more vulnerable to oral health complications. To protect and restore your smile, tooth-colored fillings may be an ideal solution. To schedule an appointment at our Chicago office, you can call us at (773) 973-0531. You can also fill out a contact form and a team member will be with you shortly. We welcome patients in West Town, Evanston, and Cicero to experience the Contos Smile Center difference!