At our dental office in Westchester County, NY, we focus on both the prevention and restoration of your oral health. Composite fillings are an important part of this approach, serving not only as a form of preventive dentistry to stop decay from spreading, but also as a restorative treatment to repair the structure and appearance of your teeth. By addressing cavities early, we can preserve more of your natural tooth and help you maintain a healthy, confident smile for years to come.

What Are Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings are made of tooth-colored resin that bonds directly to your enamel. Unlike silver amalgam fillings, they match your natural shade and strengthen the remaining tooth structure. They’re an ideal solution for small to moderate cavities or damage, restoring both function and aesthetics in a single visit.

Why Choose Composite Fillings?

Many patients prefer composite fillings because they:

  • Blend naturally with your smile
  • Require less drilling and preserve more healthy tooth structure
  • Provide durable, long-lasting protection
  • Offer comfort and confidence while eating and speaking

With the right care, composite fillings can last many years, giving you reliable protection and peace of mind.

When Fillings Aren’t Enough

Sometimes decay or damage is too extensive for a traditional filling. In these cases, placing a composite filling alone may not provide enough strength or support. This is when we look to inlays and onlays as the next level of treatment.

Inlays & Onlays: A Step Between Fillings and Crowns

Inlays and onlays are custom restorations that act as a bridge between a filling and a crown.

  • Inlays fit into the grooves of your tooth’s chewing surface.
  • Onlays extend to cover one or more cusps, adding strength where it’s needed most.

These restorations are crafted from porcelain or composite resin, offering the durability of a crown with the conservative approach of a filling. They’re especially helpful when you want to avoid a full crown but need more protection than a regular filling can provide.

Fillings, Inlays/Onlays, and Crowns: How They Compare

Think of restorative dentistry as a continuum:

By offering all these options at Chappaqua Dentistry, we ensure you get the most appropriate, conservative treatment for your smile.

Protecting Your Smile Long-Term

Whether you need a simple composite filling, an inlay/onlay, or a full crown, our goal is always to restore strength and beauty while preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.

Protecting your teeth today helps you avoid more complex treatments tomorrow. If you’re looking for a trusted dental office in Westchester County, NY, call (914) 238-8200 to schedule your appointment with Chappaqua Dentistry and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, composite fillings can last anywhere from 7 to 10 years, sometimes even longer. Their durability depends on the size of the filling, your diet, and your oral care habits.

Yes, composite fillings are often preferred because they blend with your natural teeth and require less removal of healthy tooth structure. They’re also mercury-free, making them a safer and more aesthetic choice.

An inlay restores the chewing surface inside the cusps of your tooth, while an onlay covers one or more cusps for added strength. Both are custom-made and offer more support than a regular filling.

If decay or damage is too large for a filling but not extensive enough to need a crown, your dentist may recommend an inlay or onlay. They provide extra reinforcement while preserving more of your natural tooth.

Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. We use a gentle approach and can provide local anesthesia to ensure you feel comfortable while your tooth is being restored.