White Fillings

No matter who you are, or how well you take care of your teeth, eventually the likelihood that you will experience cavities at some point in your life is high.

Tooth decay is prevalent among children and adults alike, and when left untreated can lead to bigger problems such as gum disease or tooth loss. In the past, silver-colored amalgam fillings were used to repair cavities caused by tooth decay.

While strong, these fillings were clearly visible and potentially harmful because of the mercury/metals contained in the mixture. Modern dentistry has changed that, with new, safe, effective, and discreet options available. Patients can now benefit from fillings that are tooth coloured and mercury free.

What are White Fillings?

White fillings, also known as composite fillings, are now commonly used to repair cavities in teeth. They are made of a synthetic resin and glass mixture that is placed over the hole in the tooth where the decay was cleaned away by the dentist.

Benefits of White Fillings

Improved Aesthetics

Unlike traditional fillings, white-coloured fillings resemble the natural colour of your teeth. What this means is that you can smile and laugh confidently and comfortably with no signs of anything strange or unnatural.

Better Support & Greater Safety

Other than the obvious aesthetic advantage, white fillings bond to the tooth and support the remaining tooth structure. This protects it from breakage as well as excessive temperature changes. Moreover, white fillings are generally considered a much safer option than the old amalgam fillings due to their lack of mercury.

Prevention Is Key

The best kind of dental filling is no dental filling. This is where taking preventive measures is key. Therefore, we encourage patients to keep a balanced diet and regularly visit the dentist for check-ups and cleanings. Ideally, you should be brushing your teeth twice a day and floss daily.

Treatment

Cavities identified by your dentist are gently drilled out (after numbing). Next, composite is placed into the cavity. The thin layers of composite are then hardened with a special light and carefully shaped to match the form of your tooth. The procedure is quick and can be done in one dental visit. White fillings are not only natural looking, but they are less costly than other procedures.