The white filling material sticks to your tooth and as such, can be used to repair front teeth that are chipped, broken, decayed or worn. Because they can be matched to your tooth colour, they blend in better with your natural smile and unlike silver do not run the risk of turning black in your mouth.
Most people will need at least one filling during their lifetime but opting for a white filling that matches the colour of the natural tooth can be a great way of discreetly treating cavities.
If you’re conscious about how your smile will look, opting for white material can help a filling blend in and go unnoticed. What’s more is that they are now considered just as strong, durable and long-lasting as silver amalgam fillings.
What are white fillings made of?
Typically, white fillings (composite fillings) are made up of glass particles, synthetic resins and a setting ingredient. The powdered glass in white fillings is believed to release fluoride to prevent further decay in the future. There is also no risk of them turning black in your mouth as silver fillings can.
What do fillings do?
A build-up of plaque can sometimes lead to cavities in the teeth. This is caused by the bacteria found in plaque, which if left, can turn acidic and break down the surface of the tooth, leaving behind a hole.
In order to avoid infections, it’s important that these holes are filled – and that’s what fillings do. They are designed to repair cavities to prevent pain and stop infection.
The white filling material bonds to your natural teeth easily, and as such, can be used to repair front teeth that are chipped, broken, decayed or worn. They are matched to your natural tooth colour, helping them to blend in unnoticed, appearing just as part of your natural smile.
How long do white fillings last?
Although white fillings may not be quite as durable as metal fillings, they can still last up to 10 years when well looked after. To get the longest lifespan out of your white filling, be careful to follow your dentist’s advice, and try to keep to the following tips:
- Use a soft-bristled brush for your teeth, along with a fluoride toothpaste
- Use dental floss twice a day
- Avoid excessive sugary drinks and snacks
- Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages
- Keep up with your annual checkups
Restore your teeth and feel great again
White fillings are becoming the go-to choice over their unsightly silver counterpart and can be applied to the tooth quickly and easily to create a restored smile you will love.
They’re great both for fillings and repairing damage and can even be used to correct discoloured teeth or as a veneer.
