Christmas is a time for beaming from ear to ear and soaking up the festive spirit. If you’re dreaming of a snow-white smile this Christmas, now is the perfect time to book in for natural looking, discreet fillings. Whether you need a new filling or you’d like to replace an old metal filling, we can help.
About white fillings
White fillings are commonly used to treat decay. They fill cavities, which are small holes in the tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of the tooth. White fillings are made from dental composite and they are designed to match the shade of the tooth very closely. This enables you to have the restorative treatment you need without any negative impact on the look of your smile.
Dental composite is a putty-like material, and can also be used to repair chips and improve the aesthetic of misshapen teeth. When in its soft form, it can be shaped to fit the cavity. After this stage of treatment is complete, your dentist will set the filling using a curing light. Once the composite is firm, the tooth will be stronger and the filling should last for several years. We will check your filling every time you have a routine check-up.
Why are white fillings better than mercury amalgam fillings?
White fillings are very discreet and it’s very hard to detect them. In contrast, metal fillings are much more noticeable and they can detract from the beauty of the smile. Some people also have concerns about health and safety issues connected to mercury fillings and although they are approved for use in the UK, white fillings are considered a safer option. In the past, white fillings were not strong enough for some teeth, but advances in material design now mean that most teeth can be filled using dental composite.
