Advances in modern dental materials and techniques provide new ways to create more pleasing, natural-looking smiles. As a result, dentists and patients have several choices in materials used to repair missing, worn, damaged or decayed teeth.

Traditional dental restoratives
Traditional dental restoratives include gold, porcelain and composite. The strength and durability of traditional dental materials continue to make them useful for situations where restored teeth must withstand extreme forces that result from chewing, such as in the back of the mouth.

Some patients request old amalgam fillings be replaced with composite restorations.

New technology
Newer dental restoratives include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, often called composite resins, are commonly used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important. They are also used on the back teeth for a whiter and brighter smile.