A dental filling is an artificial material used to fill in parts of teeth that have been damaged by decay or injury. It helps restore tooth structure, strength, and function so you can bite and chew without discomfort. 

At Smile for Life Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we use a variety of dental filling materials depending on your individual needs. Here is an overview of the different types of fillings that are available: 

• Composite Resin - This type of filling is made with a material that matches the color of your tooth so it blends in more naturally with your smile. They can be used on any part of your mouth where visible when you smile or talk. They are very versatile, and a good blend of durability, esthetics, and cost, making them our most common material.
• Glass Ionomer - This filling material is fairly similar to composite resin, since it is also tooth colored, but it has some special properties. The "ion" in its name comes from the fact that it allows the exchange of fluoride ions to improve cavity resistance. It is a little more forgiving of moisture during placement, and it naturally provides a decent bond to the inner dentin layer of your tooth. These characteristics often make it the right choice for children, elderly patients, or deep gumline fillings. We find this to be a good tooth colored alternative providing some of the same benefits as silver without the negative trade offs.
• Porcelain Fillings - Also called an "inlay", these are very strong and durable fillings that can be used to repair teeth with moderately larger cavities or minor fractures. They are designed outside the mouth using our Cerec 3D technology, so they provide a very precise fit and seal when cemented into place. They tend to look more natural and last longer than other types of fillings. This high level of precision, strength, and esthetics does come at a cost, making them more expensive than other fillings.

At Smile for Life Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand that getting a filling may feel intimidating to you. But you can rest assured that our experienced dentists will take the time to listen to your concerns, answer any questions you may have about the procedure, and then provide expert level care customized to your individual needs.

If you're experiencing tooth pain or if you think you might need a filling, don't wait! Call us today at (509) 663-1161 or visit us at 222 N Mission St., Wenatchee WA 98801 to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve!