Houston cosmetic dentist, Dr. Craig Mabrito, uses cosmetic fillings, which were created as an alternative to traditional metal fillings, for dental procedures because they are made of a composite resin to provide a more natural look.


Cosmetic Fillings

By Houston Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Craig Mabrito

 

Created as an alternative to traditional metal fillings, cosmetic fillings are made of a composite resin to provide a more natural look.  Also known as composite or resin fillings, cosmetic fillings are strong, durable and matched to the surrounding tooth so that translucency, color, and texture are consistent, and the filling is almost invisible.

Benefits of Cosmetic Fillings


There are many benefits to using composite fillings as opposed to traditional metal dental fillings:
•   More of the tooth can be preserved.  Because composite dental fillers are created by applying fine, thin layers of material to the tooth, more of the natural tooth can be preserved since a smaller cavity is needed.  Traditional metal fillings are not as thin, so is it necessary for more of the tooth to be removed to create a large enough cavity for the filling. 
•   More natural looking teeth.  Composite dental fillers are created to match the color, shape and translucency of the natural tooth, so they are almost invisible.  Traditional metal fillings are much darker and over time can make the tooth appear grey and unsightly.
•   Strengthens the natural tooth.  The adhesive agent used to bond the resin to the tooth actually strengthens the tooth, creating durable fillings that will last longer.

Cosmetic Filling Procedure

You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding area that will be treated.  Dr. Mabrito will then prepare the tooth for the composite filling by first removing the decayed or damaged part of the tooth.  Composite fillings can be applied in thin layers to the tooth, and because these layers are so fine, less of the natural tooth will have to be removed.

Once a clean cavity is created, a special dental material is applied to the tooth which will open up the pores of your tooth’s dentin and roughen the surface of the exposed tooth enamel so the composite filling will have a suitable surface for adhesion.  Resin is then applied that will bond the composite filling to your tooth. The layers are hardened using a bright dental light, as the composite filling is applied.

The composite filling is applied in thin layers which are built up until the cavity is filled.  Dr. Mabrito will shape the tooth to match the height and size of your natural teeth so your bite will not be affected.  The tooth is then polished to match the surrounding teeth and you leave the office with a completely white, natural-looking smile.

Call Dr. Mabrito today at 713-528-0567, or fill out our on-line contact form to see if cosmetic fillings are right
for you.