The discovery of a cavity can be frustrating, but traditional silver amalgam fillings can make the situation even worse by creating dark spots that are visible every time you smile or speak. What if you could restore your tooth’s health and strength while maintaining its natural appearance? Tooth-colored fillings offer an advanced alternative to metal restorations, using composite materials that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth while providing excellent durability and protection against further decay.
At Sopris Smiles, we understand that Cherry Hills Village patients want dental treatments that enhance rather than detract from their smile’s appearance. Dr. Golnaz Samimifar and our team utilize tooth-colored composite fillings as part of our comprehensive family and preventive dentistry services, providing restorations that look natural while delivering superior function and longevity.
Modern tooth-colored fillings use sophisticated composite resin materials that closely match the color, translucency, and texture of natural tooth enamel. These materials consist of fine glass particles suspended in a durable plastic matrix, creating restorations that are both strong and aesthetically pleasing.
The composite material bonds directly to your tooth structure through a process called adhesion, which actually strengthens the remaining tooth rather than simply filling the cavity. This bonding creates a tight seal that helps prevent bacteria from entering the tooth and causing additional decay.
Unlike amalgam fillings that require removal of healthy tooth structure to create mechanical retention, composite fillings require only the removal of decayed material. This conservative approach preserves more of your natural tooth structure, contributing to long-term tooth health and stability.
Advanced dental technology for efficient, comfortable treatments with same-day results and faster healing.
One of the most significant advantages we offer is the ability to perform many cavity preparations using our advanced Solea laser technology, which often eliminates the need for anesthetic injections. This innovative approach is especially important when pairing with tooth-colored fillings, as the laser preparation creates an ideal surface for composite bonding.
The Solea laser’s specific 9.3-micron wavelength, delivered in thousands of pulses per second, has an analgesic effect on tooth structure, reducing nerve stimulation and often eliminating the need for traditional numbing injections. This technology proves particularly valuable for patients with dental anxiety or those who prefer to avoid anesthetics.
Laser preparation also creates a surface that bonds more effectively with composite materials, potentially improving the longevity and seal of your tooth-colored filling. The precision of laser treatment allows for more conservative cavity preparation, preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
The primary advantage of tooth-colored fillings is their ability to blend invisibly with your natural teeth. We carefully match the composite material to your tooth’s exact shade, ensuring the restoration becomes virtually undetectable once placed.
Modern composite materials offer multiple levels of translucency and color variation, allowing us to recreate the subtle characteristics that make natural teeth beautiful. The result is a restoration that not only functions like your natural tooth but looks completely natural as well.
This aesthetic advantage proves particularly important for visible teeth, where silver amalgam fillings can create dark spots that detract from your smile’s appearance. With tooth-colored fillings, you can smile, laugh, and speak confidently without worrying about visible dental work.
Discover the difference at Sopris Smiles with Dr. Golnaz Samimifar. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile!
The placement of tooth-colored fillings involves a sophisticated bonding process that creates a strong, durable restoration. After removing the decayed material and preparing the tooth, we apply a special conditioning agent that prepares the tooth surface for bonding.
The composite material is placed in layers, with each layer being cured with a special light that hardens the material. This layered approach allows for better color matching and ensures complete curing throughout the restoration, creating maximum strength and durability.
Final shaping and polishing create a restoration that feels smooth and natural while blending seamlessly with your existing tooth structure. The finished filling should feel completely natural when you bite down or chew, with no rough edges or high spots.
Tooth-colored fillings work effectively for cavities of various sizes, from small surface cavities to larger restorations that might traditionally require silver amalgam. The bonding properties of composite materials allow for successful treatment of cavities in areas that might be challenging for other materials.
Small cavities benefit from the conservative nature of composite fillings, as minimal healthy tooth structure needs to be removed during preparation. This preservation of natural tooth structure contributes to long-term tooth health and reduces the risk of future complications.
Larger cavities can also be successfully restored with composite materials, though very extensive damage might require CEREC same-day crowns for optimal protection. Our evaluation process helps determine the most appropriate restoration for each specific situation.
Modern composite filling materials offer excellent durability, with many restorations lasting 10-15 years or more with proper care. The longevity of your filling depends on factors like the size and location of the restoration, your bite forces, and your oral hygiene habits.
Composite materials have improved significantly over the years, with newer formulations offering better wear resistance and color stability. These improvements mean that today’s tooth-colored fillings often last as long as traditional amalgam fillings while providing superior aesthetics.
The bonded nature of composite fillings also means they can help strengthen weakened teeth by reinforcing the remaining tooth structure. This strengthening effect can actually improve the long-term prognosis of restored teeth compared to non-bonded restorations.
Caring for tooth-colored fillings requires the same attention as your natural teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings essential for optimal longevity. The smooth surface of polished composite restorations resists plaque accumulation when properly maintained.
Professional monitoring during routine visits allows us to assess your fillings’ condition and address any concerns before they become problematic. We can polish, adjust, or repair composite fillings as needed to maintain their function and appearance.
Avoiding habits like nail biting, ice chewing, or using teeth as tools helps protect your fillings and natural teeth from damage. While composite materials are strong, they can chip or wear under excessive force, similar to natural tooth structure.
Tooth-colored fillings offer advantages for patients concerned about mercury exposure from traditional amalgam fillings. Composite materials contain no mercury or other metals, making them a preferred choice for patients seeking metal-free dental restorations.
The biocompatible nature of composite materials means they integrate well with your natural tooth structure without causing adverse reactions. Most patients experience no sensitivity or compatibility issues with properly placed composite fillings.
The elimination of metal fillings also removes concerns about thermal expansion and contraction that can occur with amalgam restorations. Composite materials expand and contract at rates similar to natural teeth, reducing stress on the tooth structure.
Tooth-colored fillings integrate seamlessly with other cosmetic dentistry treatments, making them ideal when comprehensive smile enhancement is planned. The ability to match composite materials to whitened teeth ensures optimal aesthetic results.
When combined with professional teeth whitening, tooth-colored fillings can be matched to your newly brightened smile, creating a harmonious overall result. This coordination ensures that all visible dental work blends naturally with your enhanced smile.
The conservative nature of composite fillings also makes them compatible with other treatments like veneers or crowns, as they preserve natural tooth structure that might be needed for future restorative work.
At Sopris Smiles, we combine tooth-colored composite fillings with innovative Solea laser technology to provide Cherry Hills Village patients with comfortable, aesthetic dental restorations. Dr. Golnaz Samimifar has logged over 100 hours of continuing education and maintains membership in prestigious organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Colorado Dental Association, the Metro Denver Dental Society, and the American Dental Association.
Our practice utilizes advanced technology including laser dentistry and digital diagnostics while maintaining a holistic approach to your dental care. The combination of Solea laser preparation and high-quality composite materials allows us to provide restorations that are both comfortable to receive and beautiful to live with. Schedule your appointment today at Sopris Smiles by calling (303) 761-2999 or using our contact form.
We’re conveniently located in Englewood, CO, serving both Englewood and Cherry Hills communities in the charming Marks complex. Our office offers free, dedicated parking in an abundant on-site lot, ensuring a stress-free arrival for every visit. Located just off Hampden Ave (US-285) with quick access to Broadway, Lincoln, I-25, and C-470, we’re perfectly positioned for easy access from all parts of the Denver metro area. Whether you’re driving or taking public transit, getting to your appointment has never been more convenient.
Sopris Smiles is thrilled to welcome the patients of Dr. Gregory Bevans
