When a tooth needs a filling, you shouldn't have to choose between fixing it and hiding it. At Maggie A. Kleem, DDS in Berea, Ohio, we use tooth-colored composite resin fillings that are matched to the exact shade of your teeth. When the work is done, all you can see is a healthy-looking tooth — not a filling.
We use composite for new fillings and also for patients who want to replace old silver (amalgam) fillings that have worn out, cracked, or are simply something they no longer want in their smile.
Why Tooth-Colored Fillings?
- Invisible results — composite resin is shaded to match your natural tooth color so the filling is virtually undetectable.
- Less drilling required — composite bonds directly to the tooth structure, so we can often preserve more of the natural tooth compared to amalgam.
- No metal — ideal for patients who prefer a metal-free mouth or have metal sensitivities.
- Completed in one visit — the composite is applied and hardened with a curing light right in the office. No lab needed, no second appointment.
The Filling Process
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1
Anesthesia The area is numbed with local anesthesia. You will feel pressure but no pain.
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2
Decay removal The decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed, leaving only healthy tooth structure behind.
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3
Composite placement The tooth-colored resin is applied in layers, each hardened immediately with a curing light. The filling is then shaped and polished to match the natural contour of your tooth.
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Bite check We check your bite to make sure everything feels comfortable and natural. You leave with a fully restored tooth, ready to use immediately.
Replacing Old Silver Fillings
Silver amalgam fillings were the standard for decades, and while they are durable, they expand and contract with temperature changes over time — which can cause the surrounding tooth to crack. Many patients also simply no longer want visible metal in their smile.
Dr. Kleem evaluates old fillings at every checkup. If a filling is failing, cracked, or causing issues, replacing it with composite is straightforward. If a filling is still in good shape, there is no need to replace it just for the sake of it — we will be honest with you about what actually needs attention.