Ann Arbor, MI
No metal. No dark spots. Just a natural-looking restoration that fits your smile – and your life. Mercury-free composite fillings at Comfort Smiles Ann Arbor, usually done in a single visit.
Restorative Dentistry
Here’s the thing about cavities – they happen. Even to people who brush twice a day, floss religiously, and avoid candy like it’s a personal enemy. Decay sneaks in. And when it does, the last thing you want is a dark metal filling announcing itself every time you laugh.
Tooth-colored fillings – made from composite resin – bond directly to your tooth structure. They’re shaped and shade-matched to blend seamlessly with what’s already there. Honestly, most patients forget which tooth was even treated.
At Comfort Smiles Ann Arbor, we’ve been placing mercury-free composite fillings for over 25 years. We serve patients from Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Canton, Dexter, Chelsea, and all across Washtenaw County. Whether it’s a small cavity or replacing an old amalgam filling that’s starting to fail, we’ve got you covered.
We use only composite resin – no amalgam, no metal. Safe for children, adults, pregnant patients, and everyone in between.
Know the Signs
Sometimes your teeth are pretty good at telling you something’s off. Other times, you’d never know until a routine exam catches it early – which is exactly why those cleanings matter.
Sharp pain when you eat something sweet, hot, or cold – especially if it lingers – can signal a cavity working its way deeper into the tooth.
If you can see a pit, hole, or dark discoloration on a tooth surface, that’s decay. It won’t go away on its own – it only gets bigger.
Food consistently packing into the same spot between teeth can mean a cavity has created a gap or rough edge that’s catching debris.
Running your tongue across a tooth and feeling something sharp or uneven could mean a small chip or the early stages of decay breaking down enamel.
Metal amalgam fillings expand and contract with temperature changes over time. If an old filling is cracking or failing, it’s time to replace it with composite.
No symptoms doesn’t mean no cavities. Many early cavities are completely painless. Regular exams catch them before they become root canals.
Precision Shade Matching
Before we place a single drop of composite resin, we match the filling material to your exact tooth shade. We use a shade guide – think of it like a paint swatch, but for teeth – to find the closest match to your natural enamel color.
The result? A filling that disappears into your smile. No silver glint when you laugh. No dark shadow when you open wide at the dentist. Just your tooth, looking like your tooth.
One Appointment. Done.
We know your time is valuable. Most composite fillings – even multiple ones – can be completed in a single appointment. You come in, we numb the area (if needed), remove the decay, place the composite, shape it, cure it with a special light, and polish it. That’s it.
The whole process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. You walk out with a fully restored tooth and a smile you don’t have to hide. Most patients are back to eating normally the same day.
Safe for Every Age
Composite resin contains no mercury, no metal, and no controversy. It’s the material we use for every patient – from kids getting their first filling to adults replacing old amalgam restorations that have seen better days.
Let me explain why this matters: traditional amalgam fillings contain about 50% mercury by weight. While the research on amalgam safety is mixed, many patients simply prefer to avoid it altogether – especially for children and those who are pregnant. We respect that. And we’ve made the choice easy by going fully mercury-free.
Out with the Old
If you’ve got old amalgam fillings – the dark, metallic ones that have been in your mouth since the 80s or 90s – you’re not stuck with them forever. Many patients come to us specifically to replace aging metal restorations with modern composite ones.
Old amalgam fillings can crack, leak, and even cause the surrounding tooth structure to fracture over time. When we remove them, we carefully evaluate the tooth underneath and place a new composite filling that restores both function and appearance. It’s one of the most satisfying treatments we offer – patients are always surprised by how different their smile looks and feels.
What to Expect
No surprises. No anxiety. Just a clear, comfortable process from start to finish.
We confirm the cavity location and size with a digital X-ray – quick and low-radiation.
We select the composite shade that matches your natural tooth color before we begin.
The decayed portion is gently removed. Local anesthetic keeps you comfortable throughout.
Composite resin is placed in layers and hardened with a curing light – takes just seconds per layer.
We shape the filling to your bite, smooth any rough edges, and polish it to a natural finish.
Why Comfort Smiles
We’ve been part of this community for over 25 years. Here’s what keeps patients coming back – and sending their families our way.
We’ve placed thousands of composite fillings. We know what works, what lasts, and how to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
We’ve never placed amalgam fillings. Every restoration we do uses modern, biocompatible materials that are safe for your whole family.
We’re open early mornings and late evenings Monday through Thursday, plus Fridays. Because your schedule shouldn’t have to suffer for a filling.
We work with most major PPO insurance plans and will help you understand your benefits before treatment starts – no surprises at checkout.
Anxious about dental work? You’re not alone. We take our time, explain every step, and never rush you. Comfort is part of our name for a reason.
We’re at 760 W. Eisenhower Pkwy, Suite 310 – easy to reach from Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Canton, and surrounding Washtenaw County communities.
Real Results
Most patients are genuinely surprised by how different – and how normal – their tooth looks and feels after a composite filling. Here’s what changes.
No more dark metal catching the light. Your filling blends in so naturally that most people – including you – won’t be able to spot it.
Unlike some restorations, composite fillings are fully cured before you leave the chair. Most patients eat normally within a few hours.
The cavity is gone. The composite seals the tooth, preventing bacteria from re-entering and protecting the surrounding enamel.
With proper care – brushing, flossing, regular cleanings – composite fillings typically last 7 to 10 years or more.
Patient Stories
Real words from real people who’ve sat in our chair – and left smiling.
“I had three old silver fillings replaced in one appointment. I honestly couldn’t believe how natural they looked when I got home and checked in the mirror. I wish I’d done it sooner.”
“My son is 8 and was terrified of the dentist. The team here was so patient with him. They explained everything in a way he understood, and the filling was done before he even realized it. He actually asked to come back.”
“I was nervous about getting a filling – I hadn’t been to the dentist in years and felt embarrassed. They were so non-judgmental and kind. The tooth-colored filling looks completely invisible. I’m actually smiling more now.”
Composite vs. Amalgam
Still wondering if the upgrade is worth it? Here’s a side-by-side look at what you’re choosing between.
| Feature | Composite (Tooth-Colored) | Amalgam (Metal) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Matches natural tooth color | Dark silver/gray, visible when talking |
| Mercury Content | Zero mercury – completely safe | ~50% mercury by weight |
| Tooth Preservation | Bonds to tooth, less removal needed | Requires more healthy tooth removal |
| Temperature Sensitivity | Minimal expansion/contraction | Metal expands/contracts, can crack tooth |
| Durability | 7-10+ years with proper care | 10-15 years (but causes more damage) |
| Repair | Easily repaired or added to | Often requires complete replacement |
| Patient Preference | Preferred by 9 out of 10 patients | Increasingly avoided |
Payment Options
We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to a healthy smile. Here’s how we make it work for you.
We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans. Composite fillings are often covered the same as amalgam – we’ll check your benefits before your appointment so you know exactly what to expect.
Need to spread the cost over time? We offer CareCredit financing with low monthly payment options. Apply in minutes – approval is often instant. We’ll walk you through the process.
No surprise bills. We provide a clear treatment estimate before we start, explain what your insurance covers, and discuss any out-of-pocket costs upfront. You’re always in control of your care decisions.
Common Questions
Real questions from real patients. If yours isn’t here, just call us – we’re happy to chat.
With proper care – brushing twice daily, flossing, and attending regular cleanings – composite fillings typically last 7 to 10 years. Some last considerably longer. The longevity depends on the size and location of the filling, your bite, and your oral hygiene habits. We’ll let you know at each checkup how your fillings are holding up.
The short answer: not really. We use local anesthetic to numb the area before we begin, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. You may feel some pressure or vibration, but not sharp pain. After the anesthetic wears off (usually 2-4 hours), you might have some mild sensitivity – that’s normal and typically fades within a day or two.
Yes – composite fillings are fully hardened (cured) before you leave the chair, so there’s no waiting period like with some other materials. We do recommend waiting until the anesthetic wears off before eating, just to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. After that, you’re good to go. Avoid very hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours if you have any sensitivity.
It depends on the condition of your existing fillings. If your amalgam fillings are cracking, leaking, or causing the surrounding tooth to fracture, replacement is definitely worth it. If they’re structurally sound and not causing problems, we may recommend leaving them alone for now. We’ll evaluate each filling at your exam and give you an honest recommendation – not just a sales pitch.
Most PPO insurance plans cover composite fillings at the same rate as amalgam for front teeth. For back teeth (molars), some plans cover composite at the amalgam rate – meaning you’d pay the difference. We’ll check your specific benefits before your appointment and let you know exactly what’s covered. No surprises.
It depends on the number and size of the cavities, and how much time we have scheduled. We can often do multiple fillings in one quadrant (one side of your mouth) in a single appointment. If you have fillings needed on both sides, we may split them into two visits so you’re not numb on both sides at once – which makes eating and talking difficult. We’ll plan the most efficient approach at your exam.
A filling replaces a small to moderate portion of a tooth that’s been damaged by decay. A crown covers the entire visible surface of the tooth and is used when decay or damage is too extensive for a filling to adequately restore the tooth. Think of a filling like patching a hole in a wall, and a crown like replacing the entire wall panel. We’ll always recommend the most conservative option that will actually work long-term.
Ready to Get Started?
Small cavities become big problems. The sooner we catch and treat decay, the simpler – and less expensive – the fix. Getting started is simple. Give us a call or book online – we’ll find a time that works for you.
