Cosmetic Fillings

New Fillings

Newer dental fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, often called composite resins, are usually used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important. But they can also be used on the back teeth depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay.

Direct and Indirect Fillings

There are two different kinds of fillings: direct and indirect. Direct fillings are fillings placed into a prepared cavity in a single visit. They include silver amalgam, glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and composite (resin) fillings.

Indirect fillings generally require two or more visits. They include inlays, inlays, and veneers. They are used when a tooth has too much damage to support a filling but not enough to necessitate a crown.