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Seven Advantages of Treating Decay with Composite Fillings
If you’re prone to decay, avoiding cavities can be a challenge. Fortunately, cavity treatments have greatly improved over the years, making restoring oral health easier. At VanderLaan Family Dentistry in Byron Center, Michigan, we treat decay with mercury-free composite fillings. Composite fillings are a mixture of plastic resin and fine glass. They offer a modern alternative to metal fillings for combating cavities and protecting your dental health.
Using composite fillings to treat decay has the following benefits:
- Natural Tooth-Colored Appearance
Composite fillings are also called white fillings due to their tooth-colored appearance. Dr. VanderLaan can tint the resin filling to match the shade of your tooth enamel, so it’s practically invisible on your tooth. When you smile, no one can tell you’ve had cavity treatment. Your smile will continue to have a pleasing appearance. - Less Invasive Treatment
Composite fillings require minimal drilling for application, making them a less invasive treatment. Dr. VanderLaan will remove only the diseased part of your tooth, keeping most of its natural structure intact so that it retains its strength and integrity for future use. - Strength & Durability
Today’s composites are quite strong and enduring. The filling bonds directly with your tooth enamel to strengthen your tooth after the decay is removed. This gives your tooth extra support to keep it from fracturing with continued use. - Versatility
Composite fillings are used mainly to treat cavities, but they also serve other purposes. Dr. VanderLaan may use this same resin mixture as dental bonding to repair small chips or cracks in your teeth. Bonding can also be used to rebuild a broken tooth, close small tooth gaps, or cover stains or worn tooth enamel to improve your smile’s appearance. - Quick, Easy Procedure
The composite filling procedure is quick and easy and can generally be completed in one dental visit. After removing the decay, we’ll clean your tooth and prep it for a filling. Composite fillings are applied in thin layers to your tooth, with each layer being sculpted to your tooth’s shape. The layers are dried with UV light to harden them in place. The last step is checking your bite and polishing your tooth, making it ready for use. - Reduced Sensitivity
Composite fillings insulate teeth to reduce sensitivity to temperature changes in the mouth. As a result, you’ll be able to drink hot coffee or tea and enjoy ice cream with less discomfort and sensitivity. - Biocompatibility
White fillings are made of biocompatible materials that pose no risk to your gums, teeth, or overall health. They’re also metal—and mercury-free, which many of our patients appreciate. They treat decay safely and effectively to restore the health and beauty of your smile.
Real Patients, Real Results
Before and After Images of Patients
Removal of cavity and tooth colored filling
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (616) 288-2554 | Existing Patients: (616) 455-7310
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Composite Filling Services Near Me
There’s no better cavity treatment than composite fillings to renew, restore, and protect your smile. You can schedule composite filling services at VanderLaan Family Dentistry in Byron Center, MI, by contacting Dr. Matthew VanderLaan at (616) 288-2554.
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Dr. Matthew VanderLaan
Dr. Matthew VanderLaan is a highly skilled dentist with over 15 years of experience dedicated to personalized, patient-centered care. An alumnus of East Kentwood High School and the University of Michigan, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Having spent three years as a public health dentist, he established VanderLaan Family Dentistry in 2012.
Dr. VanderLaan has pursued advanced training at the Pankey Institute, Kois Center, Dawson Academy, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, The Schuster Center, and is a Fellow of Implant Pathways. He is also trained in TMJ and pain management. As a member of the American and Michigan Dental Associations and West Michigan District Dental Society, he is committed to excellence and trustworthiness in dentistry.
Within his family practice, Dr. VanderLaan has been a civilian provider for disabled veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Since 2014, He has partnered with the local VA and has had the pleasure of caring for individuals who have sacrificed their personal well-being for our Nation’s safety. He considers it one of his greatest honors of being a dentist.
Outside of his dental practice, Dr. VanderLaan is an avid family man. He enjoys his time with his wife of 17 years, Dana, as well as his four children (Brooke, 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11, and Nora 11). As a family they enjoy the kid’s sports, music, involvement in their Church and Christian Faith community, and Michigan Football. They also enjoy traveling and exploring the world together.
Dana VanderLaan
Dana VanderLaan founded VanderLaan Family Dentistry with her husband, Dr. VanderLaan, in April of 2012. She is versed in all administrative tasks and acts as the office manager. Before her over 12 years of experience in the dental field, Dana graduated with a BSW from Saginaw Valley State University and an MSW from the University of Michigan, School of Social Work. Dana is a self starter, and was trained in dentistry completely on the job, and continues to learn new things about running an efficient, patient-centered dental office.
Along with her work at VFD, she is mom to her children (Brooke 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11 and Nora 11), and works tirelessly to make sure all of their needs are met, and devotes her time to being their #1 supporter. She enjoys her family time, rooting on her kid’s at their various athletic events, school and church activities, traveling, walking and working out, gardening, and spending time at home.