05/04/2026
We get this question a lot: what's the blue thing?
It shows up in almost every close-up photo we post, and it's worth explaining because it's one of the small details that makes a big difference in how a filling actually holds up.
It's called a rubber dam. When Dr. Ellie places a tooth-colored filling, she isolates the tooth completely. No saliva. No moisture. No bacteria sneaking in during the bond. That clean, dry field is what lets the composite material lock onto your tooth the way it's supposed to. Skip the rubber dam and you're rolling the dice on whether that filling lasts five years or fifteen.
This is biomimetic dentistry: tooth-colored fillings, mercury-free materials, and a focus on saving as much of your natural tooth as possible. An alternative to a crown when a crown isn't needed yet.
If you've been searching for a biomimetic dentist in Nashville, we'd love to meet you. Check out our bio for more information.