Fillings are one of the most common restorative procedures that can be done at the dentist’s office. The widespread usage of fillings can be attributed to the fact that the treatment is not only reasonably priced but also extremely adaptable and efficient at repairing teeth after cavity removal.
White fillings, also known as composite fillings or tooth-coloured fillings, are the kind of fillings that our dentist uses to repair teeth. While there are many other filling alternatives available, our dentist works with white fillings. The tooth-coloured fillings have a sheen and colour that are identical to those of your natural teeth, so they are virtually undetectable. Because the composite resin looks and feels so much like a genuine tooth, many of our patients are unable to distinguish the point at which their fillings begin and stop.
What are white fillings made of?
White fillings are made of a material like tooth-coloured acrylic, zinc oxide, and composite resin. They are all durable and long-lasting. Zinc oxide is a white filling material that is usually used in the front teeth to prevent decay. It contains zinc particles which prevent the formation of plaque and bacteria on the surface of your teeth. The other two materials mentioned – composite resin and tooth-coloured acrylic – also have similar properties but they last longer than zinc oxide.
How long have white dental fillings existed?
For generations, dentists have been using amalgam fillings made of a variety of metals. The 1960s marked the beginning of the widespread use of composite resins. Because the biocompatible alternative did not call for the use of mercury in its resin, it gained a lot of traction very rapidly. The aesthetic effects achieved with composite resin are also excellent. In addition, the average lifespan of options made of metal amalgam can be matched or exceeded by composite resin.
The preference for white fillings remained strong over time. The addition of etching to achieve a stronger connection to the tooth surface and further refining of the base material of fillings led to the development of a treatment option that is both dependable and successful.
Advantages of Having White Fillings
Many factors have contributed to white-coloured fillings’ rise to prominence as the restoration of choice.
Reduces Sensitivity
Heat is transferred more slowly via composite resin than it is through metal. Because of this feature, patients can avoid the uncomfortable sensation that might occur while consuming hot or cold food and liquids. People who have fillings made of silver amalgam need to exercise caution while consuming hot beverages or foods, such as tea or ice cream. Your tooth is protected from the effects of temperature changes by having white fillings placed in it.
Safest Option
Additionally, white fillings are the safest option. Over time, metal can leak into the mouth and then into circulation. Mercury, which is known to be neurotoxic, is found in very minute concentrations in silver amalgam. White fillings are biocompatible and do not include any harmful chemicals or metals in their composition.
Stability
White fillings are immune to the effects of temperature change on expansion and contraction. Temperature causes silver amalgam fillings to either swell or shrink, depending on the state of the filling. The surrounding tooth structure might get worn and damaged as a result of these variations over time.
Natural-looking Results
White fillings are used for aesthetic purposes. Even a common cosmetic dentistry technique known as dental bonding makes use of composite resin as one of its primary constituents. White fillings can be shade-matched to the colour of the surrounding tooth structure, making it possible for them to blend in seamlessly. Because the material is very malleable before it is allowed to be set, our dentist in Cardiff can seamlessly integrate the fillings with the natural tooth structure around them.
The natural brilliance of teeth can also be replicated using composite resin. After the material has had time to cure, our dentist will be able to polish the resin to a level that will give it a reflecting quality comparable to that of your actual teeth. White fillings have such a natural appearance that many of our patients are unable to distinguish where the fillings begin and stop in their mouths.
How are white fillings positioned?
At our dental practice, your white fillings will be placed during a treatment that will only take a few minutes and will be very comfortable for you. After your restorative treatment is complete, the area that was treated will be thoroughly cleansed and sterilised.
Because the natural small holes on the surface of the enamel are opened up by the etching process, the composite resin can form a strong bond to the surface of your tooth. After the preparation of your tooth, our dentist will match the colour of the resin to your natural smile so that it is undetectable. After that, our dentist will carefully shape the composite resin into the desired shape over the treatment area. The composite fillings will blend in perfectly with the natural tooth structure all around them.
After the material has had enough time to harden, our dentist will examine your bite to ensure that the composite resin will not cause any problems with the way you chew your food. At that point, we will be able to make any necessary minor adjustments. There is no downtime associated with getting white fillings, and the likelihood of experiencing any adverse effects is extremely low.
Make an appointment for your treatment with white fillings today.
Dentists on our staff like to utilise white fillings since these fillings are not only safe but also attractive and long-lasting. Please get in touch with our office as soon as possible if you are considering removing ugly silver amalgam fillings and replacing them with this option that is more aesthetically acceptable.