Over 90% of North Americans have had a cavity at some point in their lives. When certain types of bacteria are left on teeth, they will break down the enamel and cause a cavity. Clinical exams and dental x-rays can help catch these cavities early, often before they cause any pain. When caught at an early stage, cavities can be fixed with a dental filling. 

 

Dental fillings are used to restore teeth that are either decayed, chipped, or cracked. Most filling these days are performed with a white material called composite resin. The blue light you see being used at the dentist will harden the filling material, restoring your tooth to it's natural form. Some of the advantages of the composite resin fillings are that they are completely invisible and help support weak tooth structure by bonding to the remaining enamel. 

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Cosmetic Fillings:​

With modern composite resins, fillings can also be used in certain cases for cosmetic dentistry to correct gaps between teeth and improve esthetics. These procedures are less costly than porcelain crowns or veneers, but may not have as much longevity. Poreclain crowns and veneers also achieve the best possible esthetic outcome. Learn more about crowns and veneers here. Let us know if you are interested in cosmetic dentistry and schedule a consult to discuss your treatment options.