Few of us go through life without needing a filling or two, due to damage, natural wear, or tooth decay. Ancient remedies ranged from beeswax to ivory, although modern medicine has provided a better choice.
Gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, or a variety of synthetic materials can be used, with amalgam and composite white fillings the main choices. Not least as recent developments have lessened durability concerns on white fillings.
A variety of compounds can blend glass, or ceramic particles, advanced resins and setting agents to ensure greater strength. They also have the aesthetic benefit of being matched to your own tooth colour.
Meeting Individual Need
The natural appearance of white fillings make them a prime choice and in most cases, they are a sound medical choice. There will still be times when your dentist will recommend an alternative.
Amalgam fillings could be a better long term answer for heavy wear areas, such as deep molars. Other options, such as crowns, or inlays may be appropriate, or veneers where your front teeth are involved.
There are equally times when amalgam would not suit. The material may require more of a tooth to be removed and in some positions, can fracture through drinking hot liquids, or spread discolouration to your teeth.
Each material used for fillings has pros and cons. Our dentist will discuss solutions with you, although the natural smile white fillings offer is a key factor.
Treatment & White Fillings
Composite fillings can chemically bond to your tooth structure and be used for chipped, or broken teeth, alongside normal fillings.
This versatility can require a little longer in the chair. After your dentist has removed any damage, or decay, the white filling material may need to be applied in layers and be set using a curing light.
More attention could be given to shaping and polishing the area than would be the case with amalgam. A few minutes more, although this is also the benefit, restoration which looks and feels like your natural teeth.
White fillings are a touch more expensive and will not suit every case but in general, are a fine addition to dental treatment. We appreciate why they are often our patients choice and our West London clinic is happy to provide them.
You are welcome to discuss options with your dentist during a visit, or contact us at any time, if further information, or advice will help.
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