White Fillings in Houston, TX: The Modern Choice for a Natural Smile

Are you tired of seeing a flash of silver when you laugh or smile? For decades, metal amalgam fillings were the standard for repairing cavities, but their noticeable appearance is a common concern. If you're looking for a more discreet and aesthetically pleasing way to restore your teeth, modern dentistry has the perfect solution: white, tooth-colored fillings.

At Hi5 Smiles Dental, your trusted dentist in Houston, Texas, we specialize in providing advanced dental care that prioritizes both the health and beauty of your smile. Our composite resin fillings offer a safe, durable, and natural-looking alternative to traditional metal fillings.

What Are White Fillings?

White fillings, also known as composite fillings, are made from a tooth-colored mixture of plastic and fine glass particles. This composite resin material is designed to perfectly match the natural shade of your teeth, making the restoration virtually invisible. Unlike metal fillings that simply fill a space, composite resin chemically bonds to the tooth structure, which can help strengthen the tooth.   

White Fillings vs. Silver Fillings: A Direct Comparison

When choosing a filling, it's important to understand the differences between the available materials. Here’s how modern white fillings stack up against traditional silver amalgam:

Feature	White (Composite) Fillings	Silver (Amalgam) Fillings
Aesthetics	Tooth-colored and blends seamlessly with your natural smile.	Noticeable metallic color that stands out against teeth.
Material	Mercury-free composite resin (plastic and glass).	A metal alloy containing about 50% mercury, plus silver, tin, and copper.
Tooth Preservation	Requires less removal of healthy tooth structure because the material bonds directly to the tooth.	Often requires more drilling to create a space for the filling to be packed into.
Durability	Modern composites are strong and can last 5-15 years with proper care.	Very durable and can last 10-15 years or more, making them a strong choice for molars.
Safety	Considered safe and biocompatible, with no risk of mercury exposure.	Considered safe by the FDA for most people, but some patients have concerns about mercury content.
Temperature Changes	Stable and does not expand or contract with temperature changes.	Can expand and contract with hot and cold, potentially causing stress or cracks in the tooth over time.

The Benefits of Choosing White Fillings

Patients at our Houston dental office choose white fillings for several key advantages:

• Aesthetically Pleasing: The primary benefit is appearance. Composite fillings blend in with your natural teeth, so you can smile, talk, and laugh with confidence.   

• Durable and Long-Lasting: Modern composite materials are strong and resilient, making them a lasting solution for repairing damaged teeth. With good oral hygiene, they can last for many years.   

• A More Conservative Repair: Because white fillings bond directly to the tooth, less of your natural tooth structure needs to be removed compared to placing a metal filling. Preserving healthy tooth structure is always our priority.   

• Safe and Mercury-Free: Composite fillings are made from safe, biocompatible materials, making them an excellent choice for people of all ages who prefer a mercury-free option.   

  
  

The White Filling Procedure

The process for placing a white filling is straightforward and can typically be completed in a single visit to our Houston office.

1. First, your dentist will numb the area and gently remove any decay from the tooth.

2. The tooth is then cleaned and prepared with a conditioning liquid that helps the resin bond securely.

3. The tooth-colored composite material is applied in layers, with each layer being hardened by a special curing light.   

4. Finally, your dentist will shape and polish the filling to match the natural contours of your tooth, ensuring a comfortable bite and a seamless finish.   

   
   

Should I Replace My Old Silver Fillings?

Many patients ask if they should replace their existing amalgam fillings. The FDA does not recommend removing intact silver fillings that are in good condition. However, replacement is often advised if:   

• The old filling is worn, cracked, or leaking, which could allow new decay to form underneath.   

• The tooth around the filling has developed cracks due to the expansion and contraction of the metal.   

• You are concerned about the mercury content or simply want to improve the cosmetic appearance of your smile.   

If you're considering replacing your old fillings, our team can perform a thorough evaluation and help you make an informed decision.

Restore Your Smile with Hi5 Smiles Dental

A healthy, beautiful smile is just a visit away. If you're looking for a dentist in Houston, Texas, who provides excellent, aesthetically focused dental care, Hi5 Smiles Dental is here for you. Whether you have a new cavity or want to discuss replacing old metal fillings, we can help.

Call us today or request your appointment online to learn more about our tooth-colored fillings.

Remember, a healthy and beautiful smile is just a visit away.

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