How Are Tooth Colored Fillings Applied?
Once the tooth has been prepared and all decay removed, chemicals and materials are placed on the tooth to increase bond strength and protect the tooth. Next, the composite material is placed incrementally into the tooth and is hardened by exposure to a special curing light. The restoration is first contoured to fit the bite and then it is highly polished. These fillings require a bit more time than the silver fillings because of the number of steps involved. Initially composite fillings can be a bit more sensitive to extreme hot and cold and they may discolor over time if the patient smokes or drinks a lot of coffee, tea or cola. They can also be more expensive and some composites may wear faster than silver fillings; however, they yield a much more natural-looking result.
