White fillings or tooth colored restorations are materials that are used to restore the natural appearance of a decayed or previously filled tooth. This kind of filling blends well with tooth enamel and they don’t look like fillings since they are tooth colored. Natural tooth colored restorations have become more widely accepted and have now replaced the silver fillings that have always been popular. They are cosmetically more pleasing, as well as strong and durable. They bond well with the tooth, which enables them to strengthen the tooth. The best thing about this filling is that they do not have any of the controversy concerning mercury content which plagues the use of silver amalgam fillings.       

There are two basic types of tooth-colored restorations: composite and ceramic.
Composites are used to close undesirable spaces, improve shape, size and color of a tooth, and cover abraded or worn areas of a tooth (usually at the gum line) and to cover stains. They are called “white” fillings because of the natural, tooth color of the material.    

Ceramic fillings are typically used for the larger and more broken down areas. When using this kind of filling, there may be an indication of an inlay or onlay to cover more of the tooth’s surface. People prefer one visit composite fillings over the two visits ceramic fillings, which are considerably more expensive. However ceramic restorations are much more durable and will not stain. The final result with ceramics is impressive.     

Procedure
A composite filing is used when the cavity is a small and you want a natural looking restoration. The dentist will first numb the area then prepare the tooth by removing any decay. An adhesive is then applied followed by several thin layers of the tooth–colored composite. The procedure takes longer than other types of fillings because after the decay is removed, the tooth has to be kept away from saliva. As soon as the filling is in place, it is chemically hardened or cured, for less than minute with a special light. At the end of all this, it will then be smoothed and shaped for fit and comfort. If the decayed area is large, your dentist may recommend another type of material or restoration.

Advantages
The most obvious advantage of composite filling is that it is tooth colored. Nobody can know that you have had your tooth filled. When the composite filling is placed on the tooth, it bonds to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes. Another advantage is that composite fillings require less of the healthy part of a tooth to be removed to hold the filling in place.      

Effects
After placing a composite filing, you may experience some discomfort or tenderness in the area. This can happen just for a few days.

Cost
The cost ranges from $250 to $650 per tooth. It all depends on the size of the filling and how many surfaces are involved.  As composites continue to improve, insurance companies are more likely to increase their coverage.