Tooth Coloured Fillings

Tooth-Coloured Fillings

Why should I consider tooth-coloured fillings?

Most people have fillings. Traditional amalgam fillings can sometimes be quite visible when you laugh or smile. Fillings are essential, but now they can also be virtually invisible with white or tooth-coloured fillings.

The fillings are mainly made of glass particles, synthetic resin and a setting ingredient. The life expectancy of a white filling can depend greatly on where it is in your mouth and how heavily your teeth come together when you bite. We prefer not to put tooth-coloured fillings in back teeth as they are not always successful. There are alternatives such as crowns and inlays, though they are usually a more expensive option.

At Gentle Dental Care we often use porcelain veneers can be used on front teeth rather than crowns or fillings.

Should I replace my silver amalgam fillings with white ones?

It is usually best to change fillings only when an old filling needs replacing. If so, you can ask to have it replaced in a tooth-coloured material.

Tooth-coloured fillings are normally carried out under local anaesthetic. The affected area is cleared of decay or loose filling and the tooth is washed and dried. The white filling is inserted and smoothed off before a bright light is applied to set it. The filling is then trimmed off and polished.

Please call Gentle Dental Care if you would like more information about tooth-coloured fillings.