When a tooth needs to be filled there is no ideal filling material that adequately replaces the original tooth substance. The most common filling in use is dental amalgam which is a grey metallic filling. It is easy to use and lasts well. It has been used successfully for over 100 years. Some patients and dentists have concerns with amalgam because of its mercury content although the general scientific consensus is that it is safe to use.
White fillings (also called tooth-coloured fillings) have been used for over 50 years for front teeth where amalgam fillings look unsightly and in the past 30 years there have been significant developments in tooth coloured fillings for back teeth. Tooth coloured filling materials are essentially plastic strengthened with ceramics. They offer an alternative to amalgam in many situations.
At Wycherleys Dental Practice we’re proud to offer white fillings Newport residents and beyond can trust to restore their beautiful smiles.
We are able to replace those unsightly silver fillings with white mercury free fillings that closely match the shade of your natural teeth allowing you to laugh and smile with confidence. You will have the peace of mind that as a private dental practice we will be using the latest in dental materials when replacing your fillings.
Tooth coloured fillings match the colour of the teeth and are better cosmetically. They are the treatment of choice for front teeth. They are bonded to the teeth with adhesives and modern day composites are very durable. They may also be the treatment of choice in small fillings in back teeth because they often require less tooth substance to be removed in their preparation.
At Wycherleys Dental Practice, we provide high-quality white fillings Newport patients rely on for a natural-looking, long-lasting result.
They take more time to do and the dentist needs to ensure that they are not contaminated with moisture when placing them. Tooth coloured fillings are likely to cost more than the equivalent amalgam filling. There are many different materials available and your dentist will advise you as to which is most suitable in your case.
White fillings are made from a composite resin that can be colour-matched to your natural teeth. This results in a seamless blend with your tooth’s colour, making the filling virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding tooth structure.
Unlike amalgam fillings, which contain mercury, white fillings are mercury-free. Some individuals prefer mercury-free options due to concerns about potential health effects.
The process of placing white fillings typically involves less drilling and preparation compared to amalgam fillings. This can lead to a more comfortable experience for the patient and less removal of healthy tooth material.
Composite fillings require the removal of less healthy tooth structure compared to traditional amalgam (silver) fillings. The bonding process used with white fillings allows dentists to preserve more of the natural tooth, which can help maintain the tooth’s strength and integrity.
Tooth coloured fillings are plastic and are likely to wear more quickly. They are not suitable or strong enough for some situations particularly where there is already a large filling in a tooth. They may therefore need to be replaced more frequently. As a plastic material, they may discolour; although they can be polished or resurfaced relatively easily in most cases. Some patients experience more sensitivity after composite fillings. Your dentist is best placed to advise if there is a particular risk in your case. Please remember that the mouth is a wet environment. Over a period of time plastic fillings will absorb small amounts of moisture which may interfere with the adhesiveness of the fillings.
