What are White Fillings?
In Cosmetic Dentistry, white (metal free) fillings play a very important role in restoring the tooth’s shape, function and aesthetics. As the demand for a beautiful natural looking smile increased in the past few decades, white filling materials are now developed and its technology is continuously advancing.
Even few decades ago, amalgam “silver” fillings were very commonly used to fill teeth cavities. Nowadays, there are not many dental clinics that offer this type of service.
Main white filing materials used in Prahran Family Dental are Composite Resin and Glass Ionomers.
Composite Resin is the most commonly used restorative material in modern dentistry.
Benefits of White Fillings
- Tooth Coloured
- Variety of Shades available
- Adhesive to Tooth Surface
- Hardens Immediately under Special Curing Light
- Closes Gaps between Teeth
- Cover Teeth Discolouration
- Correct Teeth Shape & Alignment
Replacing Amalgam Fillings
Replacing amalgam fillings is quite common nowadays due to cosmetic reasons. Also from fears of mercury toxicity and from old amalgam fillings breaking down, they are often replaced with white resin composite fillings.
Often old amalgam restorations can cause problems due to cracks and breakages leading to leakage of the filling causing tooth decay around the margin or in more severe cases, it can lead the underlying tooth structure to crack especially in larger amalgam fillings.
If you wish to keep your old amalgam fillings, they need to be regularly monitored and assessed for any cracks or faults that could lead to structural damage within the teeth.
Direct Composite Veneers
Even though, Porcelain Veneers provide the best cosmetic solutions, Composite Resin Veneers can be a good alternative option.
Often it is referred to as “Cosmetic Bonding” or “Dental Bonding.”
Like porcelain veneers, composite resin material with suitable colour and shade is used to cover the front surface of the anterior teeth to improve its aesthetics.
Composite Resin material is used to cover the lost enamel and dentine, mask discolouration, correct mis-alignment or twisted teeth, or they can even be bonded on the teeth without any reduction.
Below are the key benefits of direct composite veneers:
- Good Cosmetics
- Natural Looking Appearance
- Durability (requires good maintenance)
- Masks Discolouration
- Corrects Mis-alignment & Twisted Teeth
- Corrects Undesirable teeth shape
- Closes Gap between Teeth
- Bite Correction
- 1 Visit Procedure
For more information about fillings in general, please refer to Dental Fillings page in General Dentistry menu.
