A Brief Overview of White Fillings

A brief overview of White Fillings What is a white filling?

A white filling is also known as *Composite resin* and it is a mixture of tooth coloured resin and glass that is used to repair decayed teeth – just the same as a silver amalgam filling. White fillings can also be used to improve the look of your smile by changing the colour of your teeth or reshaping teeth that are broken or disfigured.

How is a composite or white filling used?

Following the correct preparation your dentist places the composite resin onto or into your tooth in layers and will use a specialised light to harden each layer.

When the layering is complete the dentist will shape the composite filling to fit the natural shape of your tooth. The filling is then polished to prevent staining to the tooth and wear and tear from chewing.

What are the advantages of having composite resin fillings?

In general just looks and appearance are the main advantages to having your dentist use a white filling rather than silver. At the dental clinic dentists are able to blend the shade of your white filling so it matches the tooth and those arou d it. Whe you s ile there wo ’t e a oti ea le difference in colours, especially if you need a filling on any of the teeth at the front of your mouth.

White fillings also bond to the tooth itself to support the remaining natural

tooth structure. This will help stop any breakage and a white filling also insulates the tooth from any excessive temperature changes.

Are there any disadvantages to having white fillings?

Following your visit to the dental clinic you may experience some postoperative sensitivity in the tooth. Unfortunately too the shade of your white filling can change slightly if you drink tea, coffee or other tooth staining foods and drinks. Your dentist can place a clear plastic coating over your white filling to prevent any colour changing occurring. If you are concerned about the colour of your teeth, speak to your dentist who can give you more information or advice. White fillings seem to wear out faster than silver fillings do, especially in larger cavities, but white fillings do last well when used for smaller cavities.

White fillings are very easy to work with which makes them easy to mould into the perfect shape, you will have a filling that is hardly noticeable leaving you with a tooth that works and performs as well as any other healthy – filling free tooth in your mouth. Talk to your dentist today if you have any concerns or questions, white fillings are a great way to repair decayed or damaged teeth and the dentists at your local dental clinic are happy to help give you back your confidence to smile.

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