White Cosmetic Fillings
White or composite fillings use a material made up of a mixture of powdered glass and acrylic resin.
Tooth-Coloured Fillings
Why are fillings necessary?
Generally, if you lose a tooth and leave the gap empty several health issues can occur.
Dental fillings can be necessary to prevent the tooth from further decay which can of course, eventually lead to tooth extraction.
With advancements in the dentistry field, the filling procedure is basically painless so if your dentist does inform you that you need a filling – there is no reason to worry about pain or discomfort during the procedure.
How do composite fillings differ from standard fillings?
Like conventional fillings, white/composite fillings are used to restore decayed teeth, but as the material is tooth-coloured, they can also improve the appearance of your teeth.
White fillings provide a durable and aesthetically-pleasing way to restore decayed and damaged teeth to their optimal functionality and appearance.
The colour of these fillings can be adjusted to match the natural colouration of your teeth, allowing for an attractive, inviting smile.
White fillings do not expand and contract when exposed to heat, so they preserve the strength of the surrounding tooth better than metal fillings.
They are also ideal for patients who experience allergic reactions to metal.
Composite fillings also come out on top in terms of cost and longevity.
Although they are slightly more expensive (due to longer treatment time and newer methods) this increase in cost is generally accepted as worth it.
Should I get composite or standard fillings?
As with most treatments, the decision regarding which is ‘best’ is highly dependent on the individual.
For example, if you have a cavity or fracture on a tooth at the front of your mouth you are more likely to prefer a white filling, but if the gap is not visible you may want to go for a conventional option.
After receiving a filling, some patients report increased sensitivity in the first few days following the operation.
Additionally, the colour of the composite filling can change slightly if you drink foods known for staining (coffee, tea, red wine etc).
There are some preventative measures that we can recommend to avoid and treat these issues.
How can we help?
Additionally, can use white filling material for a variety of procedures besides filling a cavity such as reshaping teeth, filling in gaps, and repairing chips and minor breaks.
If you wish, we can also remove your old metal fillings and replace them with white fillings for a more seamless smile.
If you need a filling or would like to have your existing metal work replaced with white fillings, contact our dental team.
