Natural-Looking White Fillings in San Diego
Mercury-free composite fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth for beautiful, lasting results
What Are White Fillings?
White fillings, also known as composite fillings, are tooth-colored restorations made from a durable plastic and glass mixture. Unlike traditional silver amalgam fillings, white fillings are designed to match the natural color and appearance of your teeth, making them virtually invisible.
At Carmel Mountain Dentist, Dr. Irene Olaes uses advanced composite materials to restore cavities, repair chipped teeth, and improve your smile's appearance. With over 25 years of experience serving San Diego families, Dr. Olaes ensures each filling is precisely matched to your tooth color and expertly placed for optimal comfort and longevity.
Our white fillings are not only aesthetically superior but also mercury-free, making them a healthier choice for you and your family. The composite material bonds directly to your tooth structure, providing excellent support and helping to preserve more of your natural tooth.
Benefits of White Fillings
Perfectly matched to your tooth color, white fillings are virtually invisible and maintain your natural smile.
Safe composite materials contain no mercury or other metals, providing a healthier option for your oral health.
Bonds directly to teeth, requiring less tooth removal and helping maintain the strength of your natural tooth.
Modern composite materials are highly durable and can last 10-15 years or more with proper care.
Can treat cavities, repair chips, close gaps, and even reshape teeth for cosmetic improvements.
Less sensitive to temperature changes than metal fillings, providing greater comfort when eating and drinking.
Most white fillings can be completed in a single visit, getting you back to your normal routine quickly.
High-quality composite materials resist staining and maintain their color over time.
Contains no harmful metals, making white fillings an eco-conscious choice for your dental care.
Invisible repairs allow you to smile, laugh, and speak with complete confidence in any situation.
The White Filling Process
Consultation & Examination
Dr. Olaes examines your tooth and discusses the best treatment options. X-rays may be taken to assess the extent of decay or damage.
Local Anesthesia
The area around your tooth is numbed with local anesthetic to ensure your complete comfort throughout the procedure.
Decay Removal
Using precise dental instruments, Dr. Olaes carefully removes all decay while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
CircleDot Preparation
The tooth is cleaned and prepared with a special conditioning gel that helps the composite material bond securely to your tooth.
Color Matching
Dr. Olaes carefully selects the composite shade that best matches your natural tooth color for an invisible restoration.
Filling Placement
The composite material is applied in layers, with each layer being hardened using a special curing light before the next layer is added.
Shaping & Polishing
The filling is shaped to match your tooth's natural contours and polished to a smooth finish that feels comfortable and natural.
Final Check & Care Instructions
Dr. Olaes checks your bite and provides aftercare instructions to ensure your filling lasts as long as possible.
Who Needs White Fillings?
Patients with small to medium-sized cavities who want a natural-looking restoration that preserves tooth structure.
Those with minor chips, cracks, or fractures who want to restore their tooth's appearance and function.
Patients wanting to replace old silver fillings with mercury-free, aesthetically pleasing alternatives.
Individuals looking to close small gaps between teeth or improve the shape and appearance of their smile.
Those who experience sensitivity with metal fillings and prefer the insulating properties of composite materials.
Professionals in public-facing roles who need discreet dental work that won't be visible when speaking or smiling.
Those who prefer mercury-free dental materials and want biocompatible restorations for optimal oral health.
Patients needing restorations on visible front teeth where aesthetics are of utmost importance.
Patient Success Stories
"I had several old silver fillings that were really bothering me - both aesthetically and because I was concerned about the mercury. Dr. Olaes replaced them all with beautiful white fillings that match my teeth perfectly. The process was completely painless, and now I can smile with confidence again. You literally cannot tell where the fillings are!"
Verified Patient
"I chipped my front tooth playing basketball and was so worried about how it would look. Dr. Olaes used a white filling to repair it, and it looks absolutely perfect - like nothing ever happened. The color match is incredible, and it's been over two years with no issues. I highly recommend her expertise!"
Verified Patient
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care, white fillings typically last 10-15 years or more. Their longevity depends on factors such as the size and location of the filling, your oral hygiene habits, and whether you grind your teeth. Dr. Olaes uses high-quality composite materials and precise placement techniques to maximize the lifespan of your fillings.
White fillings typically cost slightly more than traditional amalgam fillings due to the advanced materials and technique required. However, many patients find the aesthetic benefits, health advantages, and tooth preservation properties make them an excellent value. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to make treatment affordable.
White fillings don't require any special care beyond good oral hygiene. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and visit Dr. Olaes for regular checkups and cleanings. Avoid biting on hard objects like ice or pen caps, and consider a nightguard if you grind your teeth to protect your fillings and natural teeth.
Yes, modern composite materials are strong enough for back teeth (molars and premolars) that experience heavy chewing forces. Dr. Olaes uses advanced composite materials specifically designed for posterior teeth, ensuring durability while maintaining the aesthetic benefits of tooth-colored restorations throughout your mouth.
High-quality composite materials used by Dr. Olaes are highly stain-resistant and maintain their color well over time. While some minor color changes may occur after many years, they typically remain very close to your natural tooth color. Regular dental cleanings help maintain their appearance, and if needed, fillings can be polished or replaced to restore their original look.
The white filling procedure is typically comfortable and pain-free. Dr. Olaes uses local anesthetic to numb the area completely before beginning work. Most patients report feeling no discomfort during the procedure. Some mild sensitivity may occur for a day or two afterward, but this is normal and resolves quickly. Dr. Olaes's gentle technique ensures your comfort throughout the process.
Yes, old amalgam fillings can be safely removed and replaced with white fillings. Dr. Olaes follows strict safety protocols when removing mercury-containing fillings and can replace them with beautiful, mercury-free composite restorations. This is a popular choice for patients who want to improve their smile's appearance while choosing a healthier alternative.
Investment in Your Smile
White filling costs vary based on the size and location of the restoration. Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of restorative treatment.
During your consultation, Dr. Olaes will provide a detailed treatment plan with transparent pricing and help you understand your insurance benefits. We also offer flexible payment options to make your care affordable.
Related Services
Protect and restore severely damaged teeth with custom ceramic crowns.
Achieve a dramatically whiter smile with safe, effective whitening treatments.
Repair minor imperfections and enhance your smile in a single visit.
Ready for Natural-Looking Fillings?
Experience the difference of mercury-free, tooth-colored restorations that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Serving Carmel Mountain, Rancho Bernardo, Scripps Ranch, Poway, and surrounding San Diego areas