No matter how well they look after their teeth, most patients will find they need a filling at some point in their life. In the past, fillings were only made of metal amalgam, which while being very strong and durable to withstand the forces inside the mouth when you bite and chew were also very noticeable because of their dark colour. This was especially a problem if you needed a filling in one of your front teeth.
White fillings have been around for many years, and huge advances have been made so that they are now considered as strong as metal fillings. At Wimbledon Dental Care we use the highest-quality white composite resin material to create fillings that closely match the natural colour of your teeth, meaning they blend in seamlessly.
With amalgam fillings, the techniques used to place them often meant that as well as decayed tissue, healthy parts of your tooth had to be removed too, weakening it. The advanced techniques with white composite resin fillings means that only decayed areas need to be removed, making the procedure minimally invasive and leaving you with more of your natural tooth.
An increasing number of patients are also coming to us with a view to having their old metal amalgam fillings replaced by tooth-coloured white ones. We always advise caution with this procedure, but if your amalgam fillings are near the front of your mouth, are very obvious or are worn or damaged, we can replace them with natural-looking white composite fillings that will blend in seamlessly with your teeth. We’re always happy to discuss this treatment with you at a consultation.
For larger cavities, inlays or onlays may be a better option than white fillings. These are also tooth-coloured and are made of porcelain. They are similar to crowns in concept, but are smaller. Onlays are used for extensive restorations while inlays are used for smaller restorations.
With Christmas party season underway, replacing your old metal amalgam fillings could be the perfect present to yourself to boost your smile and your confidence.