Composite Fillings in DeLand, Florida
Repair cavities with mercury-free, tooth-colored restorations that blend seamlessly with your natural smile. At DeLand Family Dental, Dr. Craig Barney uses modern composite materials and precise techniques to create natural-looking results with strong, reliable function.
In Dr. Barney’s words,
“A great filling should blend in so well that even you forget where it is. We match shade and shape carefully so the repair looks and feels like your own tooth.”
Our tooth-colored restorations bond directly to your tooth structure, requiring less removal of healthy tooth material while providing durable, long-lasting cavity repair. These biocompatible materials contain no mercury or BPA, making them the healthiest choice for your smile. Families appreciate that we care for kids and adults in one place, and our digital dentistry tools help us plan color and contours with accuracy.
What Are Modern White Fillings?
Modern tooth-colored fillings are made from a mixture of plastic resin and fine glass particles that can be precisely matched to your natural tooth color. Unlike traditional amalgam fillings that appear dark gray or black, these restorations are completely metal-free and virtually invisible when placed.
The advanced materials bond chemically to tooth structure, creating stronger, more conservative restorations that preserve maximum healthy tooth material. As part of our comprehensive dental restoration services, white fillings help maintain both the health and beauty of your smile.
Filling Materials Comparison
| Material Type | Appearance | Durability | Best For | Key Benefits |
| Hybrid Composite | Natural, tooth-colored | 5-10 years | Front and back teeth | Balanced strength and aesthetics |
| Microfill Composite | Excellent polish, smooth | 5-8 years | Front teeth, small cavities | Superior aesthetics, smooth finish |
| Bulk-Fill Composite | Natural appearance | 7-12 years | Large back tooth cavities | Faster placement, excellent strength |
| Flowable Composite | Good aesthetics | 3-7 years | Small cavities, liners | Easy placement in tight spaces |
Key Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations
Superior Natural Appearance
We use careful shade matching so the filling blends with the surrounding enamel. The material has a natural translucency that mimics tooth structure, which is especially important for areas that show when you speak, laugh, or smile.
Mercury-Free and Health-Conscious
These fillings contain no mercury and are made from biocompatible materials that tissues tolerate well. They are also BPA-free, which offers peace of mind for families who prefer metal-free, tooth colored care.
Conservative Tooth Preservation
Because the composite bonds to the tooth, we focus on removing only the decay and keeping healthy enamel and dentin. This conservative approach supports strength and can reduce future issues. Older silver fillings needed undercuts to hold them in place, while bonded materials reinforce the remaining structure.
Immediate Strength and Function
Unlike some dental materials requiring time to reach full strength, these restorations are hardened immediately using special curing lights. This means you can return to normal eating and drinking right after your appointment without waiting for the material to set completely.
Precision Treatment Process
Comprehensive Diagnosis and Planning
Treatment begins with a thorough examination, which assesses the extent of decay and determines the appropriate restoration type. Dr. Barney uses digital X-rays to evaluate cavity size and depth while discussing treatment options and material choices with you.
For patients with multiple cavities, we develop comprehensive treatment plans addressing all restorative needs while considering comfort and budget. Preventive care recommendations help prevent future cavities from developing.
Comfortable Preparation Technique
Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable while we gently remove the decay and clean the area. We work precisely to preserve healthy tooth structure. For anxious patients, we also offer conscious sedation when appropriate so the visit feels calm and manageable.
Expert Shade Matching and Placement
We select the shade that matches your teeth and may use multiple tints in layers to mimic natural color variations. Our digital shade tools help us blend the repair into the surrounding enamel for a seamless look.
Layer-by-Layer Restoration Building
Material is placed in thin layers and cured with special light between each layer. This technique ensures optimal strength while minimizing shrinkage that could compromise restoration integrity. Dr. Barney carefully shapes each layer to restore proper tooth contours and bite relationships.
Final Polishing and Adjustment
After restoration completion, Dr. Barney checks your bite, ensuring comfortable function, and makes necessary adjustments. The restoration is polished to match your natural teeth’s luster, creating seamless integration with your smile. Most patients experience no discomfort after anesthesia wears off and can resume normal activities immediately.
Advanced Treatment Technology
Digital Precision and Color Matching
Our digital shade analysis enables us to select a precise color match, while high-intensity LED lights thoroughly harden the material. This is part of our broader digital dentistry approach that supports accuracy, comfort, and a natural result.
Magnification for Optimal Results
Dr. Barney uses magnification during procedures, ensuring precise placement and optimal aesthetics. This attention to detail results in better-fitting, longer-lasting restorations that maintain their appearance for years.
Comprehensive Care for All Ages
Children’s Natural-Looking Restorations
Our family dental approach includes gentle white filling treatments for children. Mercury-free restorations are ideal for pediatric patients because they provide a natural appearance as children grow while eliminating metal exposure concerns.
Adult Aesthetic Solutions
Adult patients value the natural appearance, especially in areas that show. Tooth colored fillings help you maintain a confident smile without visible metal.
Senior-Friendly Options
For seniors, the conservative nature of bonded fillings helps preserve tooth structure. The biocompatible materials are well tolerated, even for people with medical conditions or sensitivities.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
Daily Care Requirements
Care for these repairs like you care for your natural teeth. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth daily, and use an antimicrobial rinse if we recommend it. Avoid very abrasive pastes that can dull the surface.
Professional Maintenance Schedule
Regular checkups and cleanings help keep the edges healthy, allowing us to spot wear or small chips early. We will examine each filling during your visits and address any changes before they become larger problems.
Protective Measures
Avoid chewing hard objects such as ice, pencils, or fingernails that could chip or crack restorations. Custom nightguards protect restorations and natural teeth from excessive wear if you grind your teeth at night. Contact sports require protective mouthguards to prevent trauma to natural teeth and restorations.
Restoration Longevity and Replacement
Expected Lifespan and Factors
With good care, many tooth colored fillings last 5 to 10 years, and some last longer. Size, location, home care, diet, and grinding can affect lifespan. For small to moderate areas, composites often match the longevity of silver fillings while offering a better appearance.
Replacement Indicators
Please call if you notice sensitivity that lingers, a rough or sharp edge, a crack or chip, food catching near a margin, or a bite that feels different. Early care usually means a simpler fix.
Treatment Alternatives and Prevention
Comparing Restoration Options
Small to moderate cavities are best treated with white fillings, while extensively damaged teeth may require protective dental crowns for optimal protection. Dr. Barney evaluates each situation individually to recommend the most appropriate treatment approach.
Prevention-Focused Approach
The best approach to avoiding fillings is maintaining excellent oral hygiene and regular preventive care. Our dental sealants can protect vulnerable teeth from decay, especially in children and teenagers. When cavities do develop, early treatment provides the most conservative solution available.
Emergency Care and Support
Urgent Restoration Issues
If a filling comes loose or breaks, save any pieces, avoid chewing on that side, and contact us right away. Temporary material from a pharmacy can help with comfort until your visit. We provide emergency dental care for urgent problems that cause pain or affect function.
Frequently Asked Questions About Composite Fillings in DeLand
How much do white fillings cost?
*Please note that pricing varies based on numerous factors such as cash pay vs insurance, complexity of the procedure, and is subject to change. Please call us for the most current pricing.
Are white fillings as strong as silver fillings?
Modern composites are very strong for normal chewing. Amalgam may last slightly longer in some cases, but tooth colored fillings look natural and let us remove less healthy tooth during placement.
Do white fillings stain over time?
High-quality materials resist staining better than older versions. Good home care and regular cleanings help maintain the appearance. Limiting coffee, tea, and tobacco also helps.
Can white fillings be used on back teeth?
Yes. Modern materials are strong enough for molars in normal use. We will recommend the best material based on the size and location of the cavity.
How long do white fillings take to place?
Most restorations can be completed in 30-60 minutes, depending on size and number of surfaces involved. The layer-by-layer placement technique may take slightly longer than amalgam, but the superior aesthetics and immediate strength make the extra time worthwhile.
Schedule Your White Filling Appointment
Repair cavities with beautiful, mercury-free, tooth colored fillings in DeLand, Florida. Dr. Barney utilizes high-quality materials and meticulous technique to create repairs that are both durable and natural-looking.
Call (386) 734-0482 today to schedule your appointment and discover how white fillings can repair your teeth while maintaining your smile’s natural beauty. Our gentle approach and attention to detail ensure you receive the best possible results from your restoration treatment.
