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Composite Fillings in Washington, DC

At University Centre Dental Associates, Dr. Maurice Haynes offers composite fillings as part of his top-notch general dental services for local residents in and around Washington, DC, including residents in Greenbelt, MD, and Bowie, MD, as well as Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Anne Arundel County.

If you ever had a cavity filled many years ago, you are likely familiar with the silver fillings the dentist used to fill the tooth. Not only were those fillings unappealing and unattractive, but they can cause tooth discoloration as well as crack and need to be replaced.

Composite fillings, which are also known as white fillings, were introduced in the 1960s but could be used only on the front teeth since they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear that the back teeth often cause. Since then, composite fillings have improved and can now be placed successfully in the back teeth as well.

What Are Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings are made from a tooth-colored plastic mixture that is filled with glass (silicon dioxide). It is a composite quartz resin that usually consists of a light sensitive agent.

Composite fillings are used not only to restore areas of tooth decay, but also to make cosmetic improvements to a person’s smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth. Composite fillings can be tinted to match any tooth color, as it forms a natural bond with the existing teeth in a way that metal fillings cannot. The result is a filling that is nearly invisible.

How Is a Composite Filling Performed?

To bond a composite filling to a tooth, Dr. Maurice Haynes will first need to remove any decay that is present, prepare the tooth, and condition the enamel. Then a thin resin is applied. This resin will bond to the etched surface. The amount of time it takes to place the resin will depend on the size and location of the cavity. After placement, the composite filling is hardened by shining an intense light on it for a certain period of time, usually about 40 seconds.

Composite fillings can be used as an alternative to metal or silver fillings and are used to treat decay on a portion of a tooth, to replace an old silver filling, and to maintain a white smile.

What are the Advantages of Composite Fillings?

The most obvious advantage of composite fillings is their tooth colored appearance which makes it nearly invisible to the eye. Secondly, because the material bonds to the tooth surface, less preparation of the tooth is needed to ensure retention.

Another type of “white filling” is a composite or porcelain inlay (LINK). These are fillings that are usually placed in back teeth when aesthetics are of concern.

Why Choose Dr. Maurice Haynes of University Centre Dental Associates?

Dr. Maurice Haynes stays up-to-date on the newest advances and technologies in the field of dentistry in order to provide his patients with the best care possible. He combines excellent dental services with compassion and is an active member of the American Dental Association.

How Much Do Composite Fillings Cost in Greenbelt, MD?

The cost for composite fillings varies. Please schedule a consultation with University Centre Dental Associates to discuss your particular case.

Your dental insurance may cover the cost of composite fillings. Because every policy is different, the staff at University Centre Dental Associates will review your information and help determine the status of your composite fillings coverage.

We provide financing through CareCredit® as an option for any out-of-pocket composite fillings costs you may have. University Centre Dental Associates also offers a variety of payment methods to help make the process easier for our cosmetic fillings patients.

Additional Cosmetic Dentistry Topics:

How Do I Schedule a Consultation?

Please call 301-220-1900 today to schedule your initial consultation!The general dental and orthodontic services we offer at University Centre Dental Associates have improved the lives of people from in and around Washington, DC, including residents in Greenbelt, MD, and Bowie, MD, as well as Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Anne Arundel County. Whether you are an adult, a child, or a teenager, our knowledgeable staff is committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve. Please call 301-220-1900 today to schedule your initial consultation!