White Composite Fillings
Unfortunately, most adults need fillings. Research shows that the average British adult has 7 fillings, while 8 million fillings are performed each year in the UK.
Even with straight white teeth, catching a glimpse of a silver/grey filling can be unappealing and spoil the smile.
White fillings offer a natural-looking alternative and as they blend in with your natural teeth, can’t be seen when you laugh or smile.
White fillings are suitable for:
- Patients with cavities who do not want visible silver fillings
- People who want old silver fillings replace
- Patients having other Cosmetic Dentistry work (e.g. whitening, veneers, invisible braces) who do not want silver fillings to spoil the overall result
- Patients who have concerns about the mercury in silver fillings. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1030417/Mercury-fillings-ARE-dangerous-say-regulators--British-health-bosses-refuse-action.html
There have also been health concerns about the traditional silver filling which contain mercury. More than half an average filling is mercury - these have actually been banned in Norway and Sweden.
Advantages of White Fillings
- No unsightly silver fillings when you laugh
- A wide variety of shades to match your teeth
- Amalgam can also repair or build up chipped or broken teeth
- Gives a totally natural look
- Do not contain mergury
White Fillings Procedure
Depending on where it is required, the dentist may recommend use of a local anaesthetic in the area around the tooth.
Any decay or old filling will then be removed and the white composite filling is then put into the cavity.
Using a special light, the filling is hardened, then trimmed and polished to the right shape.
In addition, white fillings can “stick” to the teeth, which means that they can also be used to repair teeth that have been chipped, broken or decayed.
