Cosmetic Dentistry›Tooth-Coloured Fillings
Tooth-Coloured
Fillings
At a Glance
30–60 min
Appointment Length
Local
Anaesthesia
Single appointment
Visits Required
Composite resin
Material
When a cavity needs to be treated, you shouldn't have to choose between function and appearance. At Keheewin Family Dental, we use tooth-coloured composite resin fillings that restore the health of your tooth while blending seamlessly with your natural smile — virtually invisible once placed.
What Are Tooth-Coloured Fillings?
Tooth-coloured fillings — also known as composite fillings — are made from a durable mixture of resin and finely ground glass-like particles. They are used to repair teeth affected by decay, cracks, or fractures, and are colour-matched to blend naturally with surrounding enamel.
Unlike older amalgam (silver) fillings, composite resin bonds directly to the tooth structure, which means less healthy tooth material needs to be removed and the restoration is structurally stronger from the start.
- Mercury-free and biocompatible
- Bonds directly to the tooth — no requirement to cut a large cavity
- Suitable for front and back teeth
- Virtually invisible once placed
Composite fillings require less removal of healthy tooth structure than amalgam, preserving more of your natural tooth for a stronger, longer-lasting result.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
The process is straightforward and typically completed in a single visit. We take great care to ensure you are completely comfortable throughout.
- Preparation — the area is numbed with local anaesthesia
- Decay removal — damaged tooth material is gently removed
- Filling placement — composite resin is applied in layers, each hardened with a curing light
- Shaping and polishing — the filling is shaped and polished for a perfect fit
Caring for Your Filling
Tooth-coloured fillings are durable and require no special maintenance beyond your normal oral hygiene routine. With proper care, a composite filling can last many years.
- Avoid very hard or sticky foods for the first few hours after placement
- Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to keep the area clean
- Attend regular check-ups so we can monitor the restoration
Benefits of Tooth-Coloured Fillings
Composite fillings combine aesthetics, strength, and conservation of healthy tooth structure in a way that older materials simply cannot match.
- Natural appearance — colour-matched to your teeth
- Durable — withstands normal chewing forces
- Conservative — preserves more healthy tooth structure
- Versatile — suitable for both front and back teeth
- Mercury-free and biocompatible
Common
Questions
How long do tooth-coloured fillings last?
With proper care and regular dental visits, composite fillings can last many years. The lifespan varies depending on the size of the filling, its location, and your oral hygiene habits.
Are tooth-coloured fillings safe?
Yes. Composite resin is a well-established, biocompatible material that has been used safely in dentistry for decades. It contains no mercury and bonds directly to the tooth.
Will my filling stain over time?
Composite resin is stain-resistant, though heavy consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco may cause some discolouration over time. Routine polishing at your check-up appointments helps maintain the appearance.
Can old silver fillings be replaced with tooth-coloured ones?
Yes, in many cases. If your existing amalgam fillings are worn, cracked, or failing, replacing them with tooth-coloured composite is a good option. We assess each filling individually to determine whether replacement is clinically indicated.
Ready to
Get Started?
Book your appointment at Keheewin Family Dental today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
