General Dentistry
White Fillings
Family & Specialist Dental Practice in Twickenham
At Claremont Dental Practice in St Margarets, Twickenham, we provide high-quality white fillings to repair decayed, damaged and worn teeth while maintaining a natural appearance. Modern composite fillings are strong, durable and carefully matched to the colour of your teeth, making them an excellent alternative to traditional silver amalgam fillings.
Are they as good as silver amalgam fillings?
Current white filling materials have been shown to be comparable in strength and longevity to traditional amalgam fillings. Unlike amalgam, white fillings actually stick or ‘bond’ to teeth and so have this added benefit. This quality is an extremely important one when filling teeth as it enables the dentist to remove less of the tooth structure when placing one of these fillings.
Are they safe?
Yes. There has been a long standing debate regarding the use of silver amalgam filling material due to its Mercury content. Although here in the UK, amalgam is still deemed as a safe material to use, many patients are opting for white fillings as they are completely Mercury-free.
In which cases can white fillings be used?
If you need a filling, the chances are that it can be done using white filling material. It can be used effectively at the front of the mouth as well as on back teeth. If the tooth requires a very large filling, it is usually better to treat the tooth with a crown.
Old white fillings, like enamel, have the propensity to take up dietary stains. They can easily be replaced and polished to look more or less invisible again. If you have old fillings you don’t like the look of, we can easily replace these in usually one visit for an instant cosmetic result!
Can I change my old silver amalgam fillings to white?
Yes. This is a very straight forward procedure and can transform the look of your tooth to a natural one again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are white fillings?
White fillings, also known as composite fillings, are tooth-coloured restorations used to repair teeth affected by decay, wear, fractures or old fillings. They are designed to blend naturally with your smile.
Are white fillings as strong as silver fillings?
Modern white filling materials are highly durable and suitable for many front and back teeth. Your dentist will advise whether a filling, crown or alternative restoration is most appropriate for your situation.
Are white fillings safe?
Yes. White fillings have been used successfully for many years and are considered a safe and effective treatment option for restoring teeth.
How long do white fillings last?
The lifespan of a white filling depends on its size, location and how well it is maintained. With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, many white fillings can last for many years.
Can white fillings be used on back teeth?
Yes. Modern composite materials are strong enough for many back teeth and are commonly used to restore molars and premolars.
Can old silver fillings be replaced with white fillings?
Yes. Many patients choose to replace visible amalgam fillings with natural-looking white fillings to improve the appearance of their smile.
Do white fillings stain over time?
Like natural teeth, white fillings can gradually pick up staining from foods, drinks and smoking. In some cases, they can be polished or replaced to restore their appearance.
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