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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Tooth-Coloured Restorations in Selkirk
Composite, porcelain and ceramic restorations repair damaged teeth while blending in. Selkirk patients can compare tooth-coloured options at our Port Dover office.
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Serving patients from Selkirk at our Port Dover office
See every service for Selkirk patientsRepair that looks like you
Restoring a tooth does not have to mean a visible repair.
Tooth-coloured restorations include composite fillings, porcelain or ceramic inlays and onlays, and all-ceramic or zirconia crowns. They repair teeth damaged by decay, cracks or wear while matching the colour of natural enamel. Each type suits different situations, depending on how much of the tooth needs rebuilding and the forces it must withstand.
Selkirk patients wanting to repair a tooth discreetly, or to update older metal restorations, can discuss tooth-coloured options at our Port Dover office. The dentist will explain which materials suit the tooth involved and how appearance, strength and the number of visits compare between the choices.
Types of restorations
The size of the repair influences the choice.
Direct restorations
Composite fillings and bonding are placed directly in the mouth in a single visit. They suit small to moderate cavities, chips and minor reshaping. The material is layered, shaped and hardened with a light. Composite can be repaired or touched up relatively easily, though it may stain or wear more than ceramic materials over time.
Indirect restorations
Inlays, onlays and crowns made from porcelain, ceramic or zirconia are fabricated outside the mouth and then bonded or cemented in place. They are used for larger repairs or teeth needing more strength. These usually require two visits, with time in between while the restoration is made. The dentist will explain which applies to your situation.
Choosing materials
Each material balances looks and durability.
Appearance and translucency
Porcelain and some ceramics closely mimic the translucency of natural enamel, making them popular for front teeth. Composite can also be very natural looking, especially for smaller repairs. The dentist will match the shade carefully. If you plan to whiten your teeth, it is often best to do so before tooth-coloured restorations are placed so the colours match.
Strength and longevity
Zirconia and some ceramics are very strong and may suit back teeth under heavy biting forces. Composite is versatile but may need replacement or repair sooner in high-stress areas. Grinding habits affect all materials. The dentist will discuss the trade-offs so you can choose a restoration suited to the tooth’s position and your bite.
Treatment process
The process depends on the restoration type.
Preparing the tooth
The tooth is numbed, and decay or old filling material is removed. For direct composite, the dentist then places and shapes the material. For indirect restorations, the tooth is shaped and impressions or scans are taken. A temporary may be placed while the final restoration is made. The dentist will explain each step before starting.
Placing the restoration
For indirect restorations, the second visit involves trying in the restoration to check fit, colour and bite before bonding or cementing it in place. Adjustments are made if needed. With any restoration, the bite is checked and polished. Let the dentist know if anything feels high or uncomfortable once numbness has worn off.
Long-term care
Good care helps restorations last.
Daily care
Brush twice daily and clean between teeth, focusing on where restorations meet natural tooth, as decay can develop at the edges. Limit staining foods and drinks if you have composite, and avoid biting hard objects. If you grind your teeth, ask about a night guard to protect both natural teeth and restorations from excessive wear.
Regular reviews
Regular checkups allow the dentist to inspect restorations for chips, wear, staining or gaps at the margins. Composite may be polished or repaired. Larger problems may need replacement. Report any sensitivity, rough edges or food catching around a restoration so it can be checked before a small issue becomes a bigger one.
Planning your appointment
Discussing restorations from Selkirk.
Book an exam at our Port Dover office and mention the teeth you would like repaired or updated. The dentist will explain suitable tooth-coloured options and how many visits are likely.
Mention any plans for whitening, grinding habits and previous problems with restorations so the dentist can factor them into the plan.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Tooth-coloured restoration questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Are tooth-coloured restorations as strong as metal?
Some ceramic materials, such as zirconia, are very strong. Composite is durable for many situations but may wear faster in high-stress areas. The dentist will recommend a material suited to the tooth’s position, your bite and any grinding habits.
Can old metal fillings be replaced with tooth-coloured ones?
Often, yes, especially if they are worn, cracked or have decay around them. Intact fillings may not need replacing. The dentist will assess each filling and explain whether replacement offers a real benefit for your oral health or appearance.
Will a tooth-coloured restoration stain?
Composite can stain gradually, especially with coffee, tea or tobacco. Porcelain and ceramic are more stain-resistant. Regular cleanings and good habits help maintain appearance. The dentist can polish or touch up composite if staining develops.
How many visits does a restoration take?
Direct composite fillings are usually done in one visit. Inlays, onlays and crowns typically take two visits, because the restoration is fabricated between appointments. The dentist will explain the expected timeline for your specific restoration when planning treatment.
Should I whiten before getting tooth-coloured restorations?
If you want a lighter shade, it is usually best to whiten first. Restorations do not change colour with whitening, so matching them to your whitened teeth helps achieve a consistent appearance. Discuss timing with the dentist.
Specific restoration types
Cosmetic Dentistry →Composite Fillings →
A tooth-coloured composite filling can repair many cavities. Selkirk residents can learn how fillings are placed and maintained at our Port Dover office.
Dental Crowns →
A crown covers a damaged or heavily filled tooth to protect it. Selkirk patients can learn when crowns are advised and how they are made in Port Dover.