Our tooth-colored fillings match your natural tooth color and make it possible to bite down with ease.

Fillings

A illustration of teeth filling in Columbia, Md

For some, the appearance of standard silver amalgam fillings is unattractive. They are noticeable when you smile and can cause your teeth to appear discolored.

If you need a filling but don’t want it to be visible, tooth-colored composite fillings are the perfect solution. We can also use composite filling material to restore chipped teeth or fill small gaps between teeth to give you a more even, appealing smile.

What Is a Composite Filling?

Composite fillings are a mixture of resins, glass particles, and colorants that impart a translucent appearance similar to tooth enamel. The composite is applied to the tooth in layers and hardened using ultraviolet light. Unlike silver amalgam fillings, composites placed by your dentist match the color of your natural teeth and provide a seamless tooth repair.

Since the composite bonds directly to your tooth, these fillings require less removal of the healthy tooth, which leaves more remaining tooth structure intact. Composite fillings are also less prone to cracking and chipping than amalgam fillings due to temperature changes in your mouth.

Our Team

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Dr. Alec Dancy

Dr. Alec Dancy brings a thoughtful, relationship-centered approach to dentistry at Hickory Ridge Dental. He believes that great dental care goes beyond treating teeth—it’s about building lasting connections with patients and helping them feel genuinely cared for each time they visit.

Dr. Dancy earned his undergraduate degree from The Johns Hopkins University in 2011 and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Dentistry in 2016. He then completed a one-year General Practice Residency at Christiana Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware, gaining advanced experience in comprehensive ...

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How Is a Composite Filling Placed?

A elderly man smiling after getting tooth filings in Columbia, Md

To place a composite filling, the dentist numbs the area if necessary and removes any decay. The remaining tooth structure is then etched to create a rough surface to which the composite can bond.

Our dentist will match the shade of your natural tooth and mix a composite that they apply and harden in layers. Once built up, the filling will be shaped to accommodate your dental bite and look natural. The final step is to polish the filling, so it blends in perfectly.

We may use a semi-direct or indirect filling for areas needing larger repairs. This process involves a composite built up inside the mouth and then removed for curing or a filling manufactured outside of the mouth and cured. This allows for stronger curing and a more sturdy composite filling. Once the composite material is cured, it is bonded to your natural tooth.

Why Choose Composite?

While tooth-colored fillings are usually more expensive than silver amalgam fillings, they offer a better aesthetic than metal fillings. The filling material also acts more like a natural tooth, helping to avoid fractures due to uneven stress when biting.

Contact our office today to make an appointment so we can answer all your questions about tooth-colored composite fillings.

Fillings Technology

Intraoral Camera

What if you could see exactly what your dentist sees? You'd probably find it simpler to make informed decisions about your oral health!

Intraoral cameras allow you to do precisely that. Using a small digital camera embedded in a wand, the dentist can move it around your mouth and transmit the images instantly to a chairside monitor. This allows you to clearly see everything the dentist describes, including damage to the teeth and signs that might indicate periodontal disease.

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Testimonial

The Best Dental Work Experience.

I was in a lot of pain and my teeth in particular my back molars were in terrible shape and Dr. Dancy was so thorough yet gentle. He was transparent about the dental work that I needed to prioritize and understanding about my concerns regarding price point. Honestly it was the best dental work experience I have ever had. Highly recommend him and his team!

- Susana

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do tooth-colored fillings look natural?

Yes. Unlike amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings are a custom-mixed resin composite. The composite mixture is matched to your tooth color and bonded directly to the tooth. This usually results in a filling that is nearly indistinguishable from your natural tooth.