White fillings are an aesthetically-pleasing and healthier option for filling tooth cavities, replacing traditional metal amalgam fillings. At Liverpool Dental Spa we recommend white fillings to our patients who need this treatment for the following reasons:

White fillings look and feel like natural teeth

White fillings may consist of porcelain ceramics or white dental composite, filling teeth cavities or cracks so that the difference between the filling and natural tooth is barely noticeable. Nowadays, white fillings are chosen because they are aesthetically fine and maintain a beautiful, natural-looking smile. The surfaces of fillings are made smooth and polished to look and feel good.

White filling material is safer for health and environment

The white porcelain ceramics or dental composite resin is a healthier and more environmentally-friendly option than amalgam fillings, which historically contained toxicity-producing mercury. White fillings are made through special processes for effective dental function and durability.

White fillings effectively restore teeth

Teeth that have cavities or are chipped or broken, may be filled with a white filling to strengthen tooth structure, preventing infection and tooth decay. White fillings may be used as tooth restorations for dental inlays, tooth caps and crowns. The type of white filling may differ depending on if the filling is in the front or back teeth.

Dental composite can be used to mask tooth discolouration

Stained and discoloured teeth may be masked with dental veneers made of dental composite or porcelain for beautiful white-looking teeth. Existing teeth may be whitened with teeth whitening but not dental restorations.

White fillings may be combined with other dental treatments

Some people have partial missing teeth and their own existing teeth. White fillings make teeth look natural and fit in well with other dental devices such as partial dentures and bridges. For more information on white filling treatment, please contact the team at Liverpool Dental Spa.

Some things are best when they aren’t noticed and contribute to the whole without taking the spotlight. This can be quite literally true of lighting, of percussion in a music track or of make up: They contribute to an effect, one which their being recognised might shatter. White fillings follow this logic. Amalgam fillings, alas, do not. Both types of filling do prevent plaque from attacking the pulp housed in the tooth, but only one makes it look like you haven’t got a filling at all.

The trouble with those amalgam fillings

Sadly, metal amalgam fillings don’t just stand out from their pearly white brethren, they may also be marginally toxic. The amalgam used in producing these fillings contains mercury, a very toxic substance, and scientists do concur that the presence of mercury in such fillings may leak mercury into one’s mouth. Typically, the exact effect of mercury on the mouth is up for debate: Some scientists claim the small amount of mercury is enough to pose a health risk, other scientists do not.  If you’d prefer to bypass said debate entirely, you could, however, just opt for the white resin fillings…

A little too conspicuous

The dark tone of amalgam fillings is but a few shades removed from the very effects of decay they respond to. Yes, they protect your teeth from further damage, but they also serve as a souvenir of said erosion.  With white fillings, you’ll probably forget you ever had work done in the first place.

The importance of fillings

The erosion of your tooth enamel results from plaque acids and bacteria attacking your teeth. If the bacteria manages to make it to your inner tooth pulp, your tooth can become infected and may need to be removed. Brushing and flossing regularly is the best way to prevent this, but it is imperative that, if your enamel is bypassed, you get a filling. A filling will provide ample protection and will prevent you requiring further costly treatments (such as a root canal) or losing the tooth entirely.

Contact us

Call us at Liverpool Implants and Aesthetics Dental Spa if a white filling sounds like something you’d be interested in. We hope to hear from you soon!

If you thought a filling would spell the end of your beautiful smile, think again! With our white fillings, we can restore your tooth, while also preserving its natural beauty.

What is a white filling?

White fillings are an increasingly popular alternative to fillings made from mercury amalgam. They are used to fill  holes that develop in the surface of the tooth as a result of decay, known as cavities. White fillings are made from resins and dental composite and they are shade matched to the natural tooth colour to ensure that they are indistinguishable from the rest of the tooth.

Fillings are an effective means of strengthening a decayed tooth and the procedure also helps to lower the risk of decay reaching other areas.

The filling procedure

The filling procedure is relatively simple and the tooth is numbed before treatment begins, so you don’t need to worry about feeling any pain. Before the cavity is filled, the decayed tissue is removed and the cavity is cleaned thoroughly. Once the cavity is clear, bonding agent is placed inside the hole and the composite is then poured inside. At this stage, the composite is soft and putty-like and it can be moulded to fit the shape of the cavity. Once the filling is in place, the composite is set hard using a curing light. This simply involves shining a light onto the tooth. Setting the composite takes just a few seconds and there’s no pain involved. All you have to do is pop on some goggles and relax. Once the filling has set, your dentist will then trim the edges to make sure of a perfect fit.

After you have a filling, your mouth will feel numb for a short period of time, but this will soon wear off. You can use your tooth as normal straightaway, but it may be best to avoid hot drinks until the numbness has subsided to prevent scalding your mouth.

If you would like to find out more about our natural looking, tooth-coloured fillings, call today and arrange an appointment.