Having a tooth filled is an incredibly common dental procedure, treating dental cavities, damage, or wear to the surface of the tooth. Composite fillings offer an aesthetic repair, rebuilding teeth and restoring them back to full function. Dental composite is a type of resin made from a mixture of glass and plastic which, when hardened, looks just like dental enamel. It can be colour-matched to blend in perfectly with your natural tooth.
White fillings, also known as composite fillings, offer several benefits. They seamlessly blend in with your natural tooth colour, enhancing the appearance of your smile with a durable repair. We use modern composite materials for a longer-lasting result, with similar strength qualities to silver amalgam fillings without the inclusion of metal.
White fillings are very versatile, and can be used to effectively restore decayed, chipped, worn or broken teeth in any part of your mouth. They require little to no tooth preparation, so you keep more of your natural tooth structure than with silver fillings.
We numb the affected area using local anaesthetic, and carefully remove the decayed part of your tooth before cleaning it thoroughly.
We apply an acidic gel to your tooth, which creates tiny holes to allow the composite material to bond to it and create an effective repair. This gel is then washed away, and your tooth is thoroughly dried.
We carefully colour match the composite material to the shade of your natural tooth, and apply it in layers, gradually building up the shape. We can mould the composite, so it fits perfectly in your tooth cavity and feels comfortable.
We harden the composite material using a UV light and give it a professional polish, so it looks and feels like a natural part of your tooth.
Many people opt for a white filling over the more traditional silver amalgam for aesthetic reasons, as the silver stands out a lot more in the mouth. A white dental filling has many of the same strong and durable qualities as amalgam and contains no metal.
White fillings blend beautifully into your natural teeth, and can’t be seen when you talk, laugh or smile. We ensure the composite material is colour matched to the shade of your natural teeth to give the most aesthetic repair possible.
If you have silver amalgam fillings and would like a more aesthetic alternative, we can change them for white composite. We remove the entire silver filling, clean your tooth and apply the composite to the tooth cavity for a natural looking repair.
Yes, a composite dental filling can be easily repaired if it becomes damaged. As the composite is applied in layers and can bond to itself, we can add more material to cover the damage to your filling. In some cases, we may opt to remove the whole filling and replace it, but this still can be achieved in a single appointment.
The best way to look after your white filling is to simply treat it as part of your natural tooth. Brush and floss twice a day to prevent decay forming and visit your dentist for regular check-up appointments.
White fillings are slightly trickier to place than amalgam, so can take a little longer. However, your filling only takes around 15-20 minutes and is completed in a single appointment.
