Composite Tooth-Colored Fillings

Composite Fillings in New Braunfels

When a tooth develops a cavity or minor fracture, a filling is often the best way to restore strength and prevent further damage. But not all fillings are created equal. At Today’s Smile Family Dental, we offer composite fillings: a modern, tooth-colored solution that blends beautifully with your natural teeth while offering durable protection.

Composite fillings are a common treatment, but they’re far from basic. In the right hands, they provide both functional and cosmetic benefits. And, they are one of the easiest ways to improve your smile while protecting your health.

What Are Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings are made from a blend of resin and fine glass particles, resulting in a tooth-colored material that bonds directly to the surface of the tooth. Unlike traditional silver (amalgam) fillings, composites can be shaded to match the color of your natural teeth, making them ideal for visible areas of the mouth.

They’re most commonly used to treat cavities, but composite materials are also effective for repairing small chips, cracks, or worn edges. Because the material is versatile and minimally invasive, it’s a go-to solution for many types of tooth repair.

Why Patients Prefer Composite Over Amalgam

While silver fillings were the standard for decades, composite fillings offer several clear advantages that make them the preferred option today:

• Natural Appearance: Composite blends seamlessly with your tooth, so it doesn’t stand out when you smile or talk.
• Conservative Preparation: The bonding process allows for more preservation of the healthy tooth structure, which is better for long-term oral health.
• Strong and Durable: Composite materials continue to improve, and with proper care, these fillings can last many years.
• No Metal Sensitivity: Some patients are sensitive to metals or simply prefer a metal-free restoration.

The result is a filling that not only restores strength and function but also keeps your smile looking its best.

The Filling Process: What to Expect

Getting a composite filling is a straightforward process, often completed in just one visit. Here’s what happens during your appointment:

1. Comfort First. The area is numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure a pain-free experience.
2. Removing the Decay. Once you’re comfortable, we remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth and clean the area thoroughly.
3. Layered Application. The composite material is applied in layers, with each one cured (hardened) using a special light. This creates a strong bond with the tooth.
4. Shaping and Polishing. After the material is built up, we carefully shape and polish it to match the natural contours of your tooth. The result is smooth, comfortable, and virtually invisible.

Patients are often surprised at how quick and easy the process is and how natural the final result looks.

How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?

With regular dental care and good oral hygiene, composite fillings can last anywhere from 7 to 10 years, or even longer in many cases. Factors like the size of the filling, where it’s located, and how much pressure it bears during chewing can all affect its lifespan.

We’ll check your fillings at each dental exam to ensure they’re holding up well and make any adjustments if needed. When the time comes to replace one, the process is usually just as quick and comfortable as the original treatment.

Can You Replace Old Fillings with Composite?

Yes. Many patients choose to replace old silver fillings with composite, especially in areas that are highly visible when they smile or speak. If you have an older filling that’s beginning to wear out or just doesn’t feel right anymore, we can evaluate it and let you know if replacement is a good option.

In some cases, the transition to composite can improve both the appearance and the integrity of the tooth.

Caring for Your Fillings

Caring for composite fillings is the same as caring for your natural teeth:

• Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Floss at least once a day
• Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pens
• Visit us regularly for cleanings and exams

Keeping up with these habits helps your fillings last as long as possible and helps protect the rest of your teeth from future damage.

Gentle, Reliable Care You Can Count On

Needing a filling might not be the highlight of your day, but the experience doesn’t have to be unpleasant. We take a gentle, thoughtful approach to every procedure, so you always feel informed, comfortable, and confident in your care.

Whether you have a new cavity, an old filling that needs attention, or just want to be proactive about your dental health, composite fillings offer a clean, effective solution. And at Today’s Smile Family Dental, we make sure the results leave you smiling.

Let’s Keep Your Smile Strong

If you think you may need a filling or just want to stay ahead of potential issues, schedule an exam with our New Braunfels team. Today’s Smile Family Dental will take the time to evaluate your teeth, explain your options, and recommend the most conservative treatment possible.

Small repairs today can prevent larger issues tomorrow and with composite fillings, you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for protection. For a natural-looking solution for tooth repair, give us a call at 830-625-6565.