White Fillings

White fillings are the natural choice.

While some people prefer to wait until their old filling needs repair or replacement, some patients make the aesthetic choice to have silver amalgam fillings replaced with white fillings.

Dentists also use white composite material to repair and seal slight damage, such as a chip, or uneven edges. Dental bonding can transform slightly jagged or rough-edged teeth. If you think the biting edges of your teeth look uneven, why not ask your dentist if the little gaps can be filled?

How white fillings help

White fillings:

  • protect and strengthen a damaged tooth
  • have a natural appearance
  • are less invasive than amalgam fillings

Modern materials

These days, the younger population has fewer fillings, which is good news. Moreover, the first choice for children’s teeth is always tooth-coloured composite material, except when it’s clinically necessary to place a metal amalgam filling.

What are the advantages of white fillings?

  • A white filling can be matched to the colour of your surrounding tooth.
  • White fillings don’t present the same environmental or health risks posed by the mercury in amalgam fillings.
  • Some people find they experience less post-treatment discomfort and sensitivity when using white composite fillings.
  • Amalgam fillings can often hide further tooth decay from x-rays; white fillings don’t have this problem.
  • Teeth filled with white fillings are less prone to cracking.

For imperceptible repairs

White fillings are a more natural-looking way to repair decayed or damaged teeth as they are made from a tooth-coloured blend of plastic and glass. They support the remaining structure of a tooth and help to alleviate sensitivity.

In the past, white fillings were considered to be less durable than amalgam ones, modern materials have made them much more hard-wearing. However, the depth of the cavity and where it is located in the mouth will have a bearing on how long this type of filling lasts.

Looking after your white filling

You can help prevent further tooth decay by brushing at least twice a day and cleaning between your teeth with dental floss and interdental brushes. In addition, you should also attend regular check-ups and hygiene appointments, so we can detect early signs of decay and monitor your oral health.

Click on linked picture to read more about the treatment. Info from the BDA. Background SpaDental teal.