At Listiyo Family Dental in Long Beach, CA, composite fillings offer a natural, safe, and effective way to restore teeth affected by decay or small chips. These tooth-colored restorations are designed to match your enamel, blending perfectly with your existing smile. They help reinforce weakened teeth while preserving your natural appearance and comfort. Schedule your visit today to experience personalized, lasting protection for your smile.
Benefits Of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Composite fillings provide the perfect balance of function, strength, and aesthetics. They’re custom-shaded to complement your teeth, making repairs virtually invisible in any light. By bonding directly to your tooth, they help prevent cracks or future decay while restoring full strength for everyday use.
- Natural appearance: Matches your enamel shade, helping your filling disappear into your smile during photos or close conversations
- Added protection: The resin material bonds securely to enamel, reinforcing the tooth and reducing the risk of future damage
- Metal-free comfort: No metallic taste or visible gray color, unlike traditional fillings
- Smooth finish: Feels just like a natural tooth, making eating, brushing, and talking feel effortless
The Filling Placement Process
Getting a composite filling is a straightforward and comfortable experience that’s typically completed in one visit. Dr. Listiyo carefully removes any decay, cleans the area, and layers the resin to restore your tooth’s natural shape. Each filling is then polished for a seamless finish that feels as natural as it looks.
- Gentle cleaning: Only the decayed area is removed, preserving as much healthy enamel as possible
- Layered restoration: The resin is shaped in layers to rebuild your tooth’s natural form
- Light curing: A special light hardens each layer to ensure a strong, lasting bond
- Final polish: The surface is smoothed for comfort and a lifelike shine
Composite Fillings Vs. Amalgam
Composite fillings offer a significant upgrade from traditional silver fillings in both appearance and performance. They maintain stability with temperature changes, preserve more of your natural tooth, and avoid the metallic look that can dull your smile. The result is a restoration that’s as natural as it is durable.
- Improved aesthetics: Composite fillings blend perfectly with your tooth, while amalgam leaves a visible silver mark
- Preserved tooth structure: Requires less drilling compared to amalgam, which often removes more healthy enamel
- Temperature stability: Composite resin doesn’t expand or contract with hot or cold foods, unlike metal that can trigger sensitivity
- Health-conscious choice: Free of mercury and metal, providing a safe and modern option for long-term care
Longevity & Durability Of Fillings
Composite fillings are made with advanced materials designed to last and perform reliably in daily use. With regular dental checkups and proper hygiene, they can remain strong and beautiful for many years. Their durable finish resists wear and discoloration, helping you maintain both comfort and confidence.
- Long-lasting results: When properly cared for, composite fillings can last many years before needing replacement
- Resistant surface: Stands up to everyday chewing and resists staining from coffee, tea, or wine
- Strong performance: Maintains structure and support under normal bite pressure
- Reliable seal: Protects against bacteria and prevents new decay from forming
Caring For Filled Teeth
Maintaining your composite fillings is as simple as caring for your natural teeth. A consistent oral hygiene routine and professional cleanings keep them strong and looking great. Avoiding hard foods or grinding your teeth helps prevent unnecessary wear over time.
- Daily hygiene: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss around filled teeth to remove plaque buildup
- Routine checkups: Regular visits allow your dentist to check the integrity of each filling and make small adjustments if needed
- Avoid hard objects: Skip chewing on ice, pens, or fingernails to prevent cracks or chips
- Nighttime protection: Wearing a nightguard helps if you tend to clench or grind your teeth while sleeping
Healthier Smiles Fill In
Natural Strength & Protection
Composite fillings restore your teeth with natural-looking precision while reinforcing their strength and integrity. Every restoration is tailored to blend beautifully and provide dependable protection for years to come. With advanced materials and gentle techniques, you can expect comfort, quality, and confidence at every stage of care. Schedule your appointment with Listiyo Family Dental in Long Beach, CA, today to enjoy a smile that’s stronger, healthier, and naturally radiant.