A few decades ago, a cavity meant a dark metal filling that would stand out in your smile for years. That's no longer the case. Dr. McVety provides tooth-colored composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your enamel — restoring a decayed tooth without anyone knowing work was done.
Composite vs. Metal Fillings
The most obvious advantage is cosmetic: composite resin is shade-matched to your natural enamel and disappears into your smile. Traditional amalgam fillings leave a permanent dark splotch that darkens further over time.
But the benefits go beyond appearance. Metal fillings don't chemically bond to tooth structure — they sit in a shaped cavity, which means more healthy enamel must be drilled away to create mechanical retention. Composite resin bonds directly to the tooth, requiring significantly less removal of healthy structure. This leaves the tooth stronger.
Composite also creates a tight seal against bacteria and temperature sensitivity, and it's mercury-free — a meaningful consideration for patients who prefer to avoid metal restorations entirely.
The Filling Process
Getting a tooth-colored filling is straightforward and usually completed in a single appointment:
1. Local anesthetic is applied to fully numb the area 2. Dr. McVety removes only the decayed enamel — no healthy structure is sacrificed 3. A shade guide is used to select the exact composite resin color to match your tooth 4. The resin is applied in layers and sculpted to rebuild the tooth's natural shape 5. A UV curing light hardens each layer in seconds 6. Dr. McVety polishes the surface and checks your bite for a perfect fit
Most appointments take 30–60 minutes depending on the size of the cavity.
Cost & Insurance
The exact cost depends on the size of the cavity and the location of the tooth. Tooth-colored fillings cost slightly more than amalgam, but most dental insurance plans cover 50–80% of the fee.
Our team works with most insurance providers and will review your plan to maximize your benefits before treatment begins. We also partner with CareCredit to offer low-interest monthly payment plans for any out-of-pocket balance.