Over four-fifths of the population have at least one filling of one sort or another but today, because we are much more conscious of our smile, we can choose a natural looking alternative – the composite or tooth-coloured filling. They support the structure of a damaged tooth, helping to prevent further breakage or sensitivity, and can be placed in the front or back teeth.
White fillings are made from a composite resin – a mixture of plastic and glass that blends in beautifully with your teeth first introduced in the 1960s. Originally only used for front teeth because of their softer nature, modern improvements to their composition make them generically suitable today.
What are the benefits?
- They are a natural looking and are carefully blended with your teeth
- Modern material make them a durable choice
- Less of the tooth need to be removed before placement of the filling
- They can restore decayed, chipped, worn or broken teeth
- They do not contain mercury like old dental fillings, which can be toxic
The main advantage of composite fillings is their aesthetic appeal. The main disadvantage is their life expectancy. White fillings have always been considered less long lasting than silver amalgam fillings, but there are now new materials available with properties comparable to silver amalgam and these are proving to be very successful. The life expectancy of your composite filling can depend on the depth of cavity and its position in the mouth; your dentist is best positioned to advise you.
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