What Are Tooth-Colored Restorations?

Tooth-colored restorations include composite resin fillings, porcelain inlays, and porcelain onlays — all crafted to match the natural shade of your teeth. These minimally invasive treatments are designed to:

• Restore cracked or decayed teeth without extensive drilling
  
• Replace dark, visible metal fillings for a more aesthetic appearance
  
• Strengthen teeth while conserving natural tooth structure
  

Tooth-colored materials are used in both simple fillings and more complex restorative work, like same-day CEREC crowns if larger portions of the tooth are damaged.

Types of Tooth-Colored Restorations We Offer

Composite (White) Fillings

Composite resin fillings fill small to moderate cavities and bond directly to the tooth structure. They are perfect for front teeth and visible areas, offering a natural, durable result.

Porcelain Inlays

A porcelain inlay fits inside the biting surface of the tooth, filling larger cavities with a custom-designed restoration. Inlays offer a high level of strength and stain resistance.

Porcelain Onlays

A porcelain onlay covers one or more cusps of the tooth, providing additional protection when a full crown is not necessary. Onlays are crafted to precisely match your tooth's natural shape and color.

Patients needing more extensive treatment may benefit from dental crowns if damage extends beyond what an inlay or onlay can support.

Tooth-Colored Restoration Procedure

At Foundation Dental, your restorative treatment will typically follow these steps:

• Step 1: Tooth Preparation: The affected tooth is gently prepared by removing decay or old fillings under local anesthesia.
  
• Step 2: Impression or Filling Placement: For fillings, the composite resin is placed and hardened immediately. For inlays/onlays, an impression is taken and the restoration is custom-fabricated in a lab.
  
• Step 3: Bonding and Finishing: The new restoration is bonded to the tooth and adjusted for a comfortable, natural bite.
  

We use advanced adhesive techniques and materials to ensure a seamless blend between your restoration and your natural teeth.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Restorations

Choosing tooth-colored restorations offers many advantages:

• Aesthetic improvement with restorations that blend naturally with your smile
  
• Less expansion and contraction compared to metal, reducing the risk of fractures
  
• Minimal removal of healthy tooth structure
  
• Long-lasting durability — porcelain inlays/onlays can last 20–30 years
  
• Composite fillings last longer than traditional silver fillings and can easily be repaired or refreshed
  
• Improved oral health by replacing old metal fillings linked to sensitivity and microleakage
  

For patients seeking additional aesthetic improvements, cosmetic smile assessments are also available to help design a complete smile makeover.

Supporting Your Smile After a Tooth-Colored Restoration

To ensure the longevity of your restoration:

• Maintain excellent oral hygiene, brushing twice daily and flossing once a day
  
• Avoid using your teeth to bite hard objects
  
• Visit Foundation Dental for regular exams and cleanings to monitor your restorations
  
• Address any dental discomfort promptly to prevent minor issues from worsening
  

With good care, your tooth-colored restorations can protect and enhance your smile for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can teeth color be restored?

Yes, teeth can be restored with treatments like composite fillings, porcelain inlays/onlays, and professional teeth whitening. At Foundation Dental, we specialize in using natural-looking materials to rebuild and enhance the beauty of your smile.

How much does tooth color restoration cost?

The cost varies based on the type of restoration needed — composite fillings are generally more affordable than porcelain inlays/onlays. We provide transparent pricing and offer financing options through CareCredit to make treatment accessible.

How long do tooth-colored fillings last?

Composite resin fillings typically last 5 to 10 years with good care. Porcelain inlays and onlays can last 20 years or longer, offering a highly durable and aesthetic solution.