Back in the days when there was no alternative treatment, amalgam or silver fillings were popular in restoring decayed teeth. However, amalgam fillings can be unattractive due to their metal appearance. Luckily, modern dentistry has come a long way and there is an alternative to amalgam fillings – white composite fillings that match the colour of your teeth exactly and help keep them stable and decay-free.

At Amsel and Wilkins in Banbury, we believe prevention is always better than cure, therefore, we will always strive to prevent decay from developing on your teeth. If that’s impossible and you need a filling then, we recommend white fillings as a viable option that is both cosmetic and functional.

What are white fillings made of?

White fillings are made of a combination of glass and plastic also known as composite resin. This material is usually sculpted directly on the tooth by your dentist and set hard by using a high-intensity blue light. White fillings come in different shades, which are matched to the existing shade of your teeth creating natural looking smiles.

How long do white fillings last?

The durability of white fillings depends on many factors and while some of them last many years, others don’t last enough. Factors affecting the longevity of fillings include size, a patient’s diet, tooth surface, age and position in the tooth. Generally, smaller fillings tend to last longer than larger fillings because they are more stable. On the other hand, fillings on teeth with larger surfaces tend to last longer as well.

Advantages of white fillings

Unlike amalgam fillings, white fillings match your natural tooth colour and appearance. Since they bond to the tooth enamel chemically, they do not require placement of slots, grooves or other material in healthy tooth structure to retain them. White fillings are very stable and restore the strength and resilience of natural teeth. This is because they completely harden in second, instead of days required by other materials.

White fillings are also very versatile because they can be used on the back and the front teeth without compromising your appearance. Finally, if damaged they can be easily repaired.

To learn more about white fillings in Banbury, please contact us today.