No Insurance?
No problem!
0% financing options available.
Accepting new patients.
131 SW 156th St, Suite 200
Burien, WA 98166
No Insurance?
No problem!
0% financing options available.
Accepting new patients.
131 SW 156th St, Suite 200
Burien, WA 98166
When you discover a cavity, the last thing you want is for everyone to know about it. Gone are the days when dental fillings meant obvious silver spots that announced your dental history to the world. At Burien Signature Dentistry, we believe your smile should tell a story of confidence and natural beauty, not past dental work.
Dr. Andy Kim and our compassionate team understand that choosing the right filling material is about more than just fixing a cavity—it’s about preserving the natural appearance of your smile while ensuring long-lasting protection for your teeth. Our cosmetic bonding for gaps and chips services complement our tooth-colored filling treatments to provide comprehensive smile enhancement options.
Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite resin fillings, are made from a durable mixture of plastic and fine glass particles that can be precisely matched to the natural shade of your teeth. Unlike traditional amalgam fillings that contain metals and appear dark gray or silver, composite fillings blend seamlessly with your tooth structure.
These modern fillings offer several advantages over older filling materials. The composite material bonds directly to your tooth, which means Dr. Kim can preserve more of your natural tooth structure during the preparation process. This conservative approach helps maintain the strength and integrity of your tooth while providing excellent protection against further decay.
The advanced composite resin we use contains microscopic glass particles that reflect light similarly to natural tooth enamel. This optical property, combined with our precise shade-matching process, ensures your filling will be virtually invisible to others. The material also expands and contracts at a rate similar to natural teeth, reducing the risk of cracks or gaps that could allow bacteria to enter.
Natural Appearance The most obvious benefit of composite fillings is their aesthetic appeal. When you laugh, speak, or smile, nobody will be able to detect where the filling ends and your natural tooth begins. This seamless integration makes tooth-colored fillings an excellent choice for visible teeth, though they work equally well for back teeth.
Conservative Treatment Traditional amalgam fillings require the removal of significant healthy tooth structure to create mechanical retention. Composite fillings bond chemically to your tooth, allowing Dr. Kim to remove only the decayed portion while preserving healthy enamel and dentin.
Versatility Beyond treating cavities, tooth-colored fillings can address various cosmetic concerns. Small chips, gaps between teeth, and worn edges can all be repaired using the same composite material, often in a single appointment. This versatility makes composite fillings an integral part of comprehensive smile makeovers.
Durability and Strength Modern composite materials are remarkably strong and can withstand normal chewing forces. With proper care, tooth-colored fillings can last many years, providing reliable protection for your teeth while maintaining their natural appearance.
During your visit to our Burien office, Dr. Kim will carefully examine the affected tooth and discuss your treatment options. We use advanced diagnostic tools to determine the extent of decay and ensure a tooth-colored filling is the most appropriate treatment for your situation.
If you haven’t had a professional cleaning recently, we may recommend scheduling a deep cleaning session to optimize your oral health before restorative treatment.
The treatment begins with numbing the area around the affected tooth to ensure your complete comfort. Dr. Kim then carefully removes the decayed portion of the tooth, preparing a clean surface for the filling material.
One of the most important steps in the process is shade matching. We use a comprehensive shade guide to select the perfect composite color that matches your natural teeth. This attention to detail ensures your filling will be undetectable.
The composite material is applied in layers, with each layer being carefully shaped and hardened using a special curing light. This layered approach allows Dr. Kim to recreate the natural translucency and depth of tooth enamel, resulting in a filling that looks completely natural.
After the final layer is placed and cured, the filling is precisely shaped and polished to match the contours of your natural tooth. Dr. Kim will check your bite to ensure proper alignment and make any necessary adjustments.
Immediate Post-Treatment Care Following your tooth-colored filling procedure, you may experience some sensitivity to temperature changes. This is normal and typically subsides within a few days. We recommend avoiding extremely hot or cold foods and beverages for the first 24 hours.
Long-Term Maintenance Maintaining your tooth-colored fillings is straightforward and requires the same excellent oral hygiene practices that keep your natural teeth healthy. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are essential for preventing new cavities and ensuring your fillings last as long as possible.
Professional Monitoring During your regular check-ups, Dr. Kim will examine your fillings to ensure they remain in excellent condition. Early detection of any issues allows for prompt treatment and helps prevent more extensive dental problems.
While tooth-colored fillings offer numerous advantages, we believe in providing complete information so you can make the best decision for your oral health. Traditional amalgam fillings are extremely durable and may be recommended in certain situations, particularly for large cavities in back teeth where chewing forces are greatest.
However, for most patients, the combination of aesthetics, conservative treatment approach, and excellent durability makes composite fillings the preferred choice. The ability to preserve natural tooth structure while achieving invisible results aligns perfectly with our philosophy of comprehensive, patient-centered care.
While we’re always here to help restore your smile, we’re even more passionate about helping you prevent cavities in the first place. Our comprehensive dental hygiene education program provides you with the knowledge and tools needed to maintain optimal oral health.
Regular professional cleanings, proper home care, and routine examinations are your best defense against tooth decay. When prevention isn’t enough, however, tooth-colored fillings offer an excellent solution that protects your oral health while preserving your smile’s natural beauty.
Dr. Andy Kim brings years of experience and a commitment to excellence to every tooth-colored filling procedure. Our modern approach combines advanced materials with meticulous technique to ensure your filling looks natural, feels comfortable, and provides lasting protection.
We understand that dental treatment can feel overwhelming, which is why we’ve created a welcoming environment where you can feel relaxed and confident in your care. From the moment you enter our office, our team is dedicated to making your experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible.
Your smile deserves the best possible care, and tooth-colored fillings represent the perfect balance of aesthetics, function, and conservative treatment. Whether you need to address a small cavity or want to replace old amalgam fillings with more natural-looking alternatives, we’re here to help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.
Ready to learn more about how tooth-colored fillings can enhance your smile while protecting your oral health? Contact Burien Signature Dentistry at (206) 246-3222 or schedule your consultation online. Let us help you discover the confidence that comes with a naturally beautiful, healthy smile.
Enjoy a FREE Consultation on your first visit! Let our expert team help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
Enjoy a FREE Consultation on your first visit! Let our expert team help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
