Composite Fillings and Bonding in Wilmette, IL

At Wilmette Dental Institute, every dental service we provide considers your oral and overall health and your smile’s aesthetics. If you develop a cavity or want to conceal chipped or cracked teeth, we offer tooth-colored composite fillings and bonding at our Wilmette dental office to restore your smile’s health and harmony.

Understanding How Cavities Develop

Plaque is a sticky bacteria-filled biofilm that continually builds up and clings to your teeth. Tooth decay develops when the bacteria in plaque feed on sugars in the foods and drinks you consume and produce harmful acids. Over time, these persistent acid attacks can wear down the enamel layer, leading to the formation of cavities.

Our dental team stresses the importance of regular brushing and flossing for this very reason. Brushing at least twice daily and flossing once removes harmful plaque and helps you avoid cavities. Dental check-ups and teeth cleanings with our hygienist are also essential to remove the plaque your toothbrush can’t reach. 

Why We Recommend Tooth-Colored Fillings

In the past, amalgam (metal) fillings were often the go-to solution to treat cavities. At Wilmette Dental Institute, we prefer composite resin fillings because of the benefits they offer:

• Enhance aesthetics — Unlike silver-colored amalgam fillings, we custom-match composite fillings to the shade of your tooth for a seamless appearance. 
• Improve support — We bond the composite filling material directly to your tooth, which helps support its structure and prevent further damage. 
• Preserve tooth structure —Dr. Nolan can preserve more of your natural tooth structure as less material must be removed than with amalgam fillings.

After Dr. Nolan removes the decayed portion of your tooth, then applies an etching liquid to its surface to improve the adhesion of the composite material. He then fills the area with the material, shapes it to match your tooth’s contours, and hardens it with a special curing light. The final step is to polish the composite resin for a natural appearance and to help prevent staining. 

Composite Bonding for an Affordable Smile Improvement

Composite bonding is a treatment option that uses the same tooth-colored material. Dr. Nolan uses bonding to correct aesthetic issues such as chipped or cracked teeth, discoloration, or gaps between teeth.

The same steps are involved with bonding as with fillings: he prepares the tooth, applies the etching liquid, and expertly applies the material for a seamless, natural appearance. 

With proper care, including daily brushing and flossing and regular check-ups, composite fillings and bonding can last 5–7 years. If you have bonded teeth, avoid eating hard or crunchy foods that could chip them and require repair.

Ready to Restore Your Smile?

Do you have a painful tooth and think you have a cavity? Call Wilmette Dental Institute at (847) 251-3110 so we can arrange to see you as soon as possible. Dr. Nolan will check the tooth and recommend a composite filling if appropriate. We proudly serve patients in North Shore communities, including Kenilworth, Wilmette, Winnetka, Evanston, and Highland Park.