Chances are that if you have had a filling in your molars in the last 10 years, your dentist has used a metal filling.

Of course, they have! This has been standard practice for many dental surgeries for decades. Metal fillings are hardy, easy to fit and easy to replace if they fall out.

However, in dental practices today, many dentists are suggesting that regardless of the area of decay in your mouth, white fillings in Banbury are a better option for many people.

Why should I replace my metal fillings?

It seems an odd concept doesn’t it? To go to your dentist to have a filling removed and another put in its place? If it’s not broke, don’t fix it! But there are many advantages to having white or composite fillings in lieu of your metal ones.

No discomfort

If you have a metal filling, you may notice that it can sometimes be temperamental due to changes in the temperature of your mouth.

This is not your imagination, at Amsel & Wilkins, we often have patients complaining of discomfort around their metal fillings, even though there is no damage. This is because, when you drink hot tea or beverages, the metal in your filling naturally expands. This expansion can put pressure on the surrounding teeth and can cause further damage.

White fillings in Banbury do not respond to temperature and therefore do not cause damage to the surrounding teeth. This is one of the key reasons we recommend replacing your metal fillings with composite ones as we do not want to further damage your teeth.

No discolouration

When you have a metal filling fitted, you may have noticed that the surrounding tooth now has a grey look.

This can cause you to feel self-conscious and worried about the appearance of your teeth.

If you choose to have your metal fillings replaced with composite ones, regardless of how large or deep the filling is, your teeth will not change in colour at all. In fact, our dental team uses a colour-based scaling system to match the colour of your white filling perfectly to your tooth.

No plaque accumulation

As white fillings in Banbury are fitted to match the colour of your teeth, your dentist will be aware of flattening the border or ‘edges’ where your filling meets your tooth. This lack of an edge is beneficial for your long-term dental health as borders on your teeth provide the perfect place for plaque to build up.

Plaque build up is not only unattractive, but it creates potential future issues for your teeth, such as decay and breakage. Metal fillings are more difficult to mould and soften to the surface of your tooth, meaning they are more likely to have edges and thus allow plaque to accumulate.

Want to change your metal fillings for white ones? Contact us at Amsel & Wilkins in Banbury– we will be happy to assist you with improving your smile.

Call today!

Dating back to their invention in 1955, composite or ‘white fillings’ have improved both dental techniques and smiles for over half a century.

Originally made of porcelain and set to the tooth with resin, white fillings in Banbury have proven to be just as hardy as traditional metal-based fillings with the obvious benefit of creating a more natural, less noticeable look. Indeed, many dental customers today are choosing to have their old, metal fillings removed and replaced with composite ones to improve their smile and confidence.

But what are the other advantages of white fillings in Banbury over metal ones?

Composite versus metal

Of course, if you have decay at the front of your mouth or simply have a damaged tooth, you will want a filling that will not draw attention to itself.

However, many people are unaware of the other benefits of choosing white fillings, that can even make dental check-ups easier for your dentist.

Decay

An annoyance seen daily in dentistry, tooth decay is the primary reason for fillings and while some dentists may opt to simply give you a metal filling (based on location), at Amsel Wilkins, we know the benefits of having composite fillings fitted instead.

One of the key examples is decay. With metal fillings, even the most experienced dentist can miss a minor crack and tooth decay that may be occurring under the filling as result. White fillings in Banbury have the advantage of allowing dentists to detect if a filling has cracked and can even help them see if decay has occurred underneath too. This  means check-ups are easier and any other dental work will be minimal.

Support

If you have a tooth that has decayed, you may have minor cracks forming on the surface too. A composite filling will bond to the natural shape of the tooth and protect it against future breakage and damage, creating a stronger tooth that needs less maintenance.

Resistance

Many people who have had metal fillings fitted are often surprised at the sensitivity of the tooth afterwards. Metal in not as resistant to extremes of heat (tea, coffee) or cold (ice cubes, ice lollies) as composite and can cause pain or sensitivity when exposed to these temperatures. Composite is more durable and adapts easily to different temperatures with no sensitivity or issue, so you can drink as many hot beverages as you want without complaint.

Immediate use

When having a metal filling fitted, many people have been advised by their dentists to ‘take it easy’ on the tooth for a day afterwards; this is due to the sensitivity of the metal and the need to adapt to your mouth. White fillings can be used straight away and do not require a ‘breaking in’ period.

If you want to have your old metal fillings replaced with composite, our dental team at Amsel & Wilkins in Banbury will be happy to fit new ones for you. They are stronger, more durable and will improve your overall confidence.

White fillings are common within modern dental work, also known as composite fillings they are commonly preferred over the traditional metal looking filling due to their tooth coloured and therefore more natural appearance. White fillings in Banbury are a mixture of tooth coloured resin and glass, meaning they are able to withstand for many years. White fillings are used as a popular alternative due to amalgam fillings being aesthetically poor, as well as containing mercury.

What are fillings and why might I need one?

Fillings are essentially a dental implant that fills a cavity within the tooth that has been damaged through decay and can be extremely painful if not treated correctly. These holes within the teeth can lead to later dental hygiene problems and infections if not treated. You may require a filling if you are experiencing pain within your teeth that is diagnosed as a cavity by your dentist. Although the most common use of fillings is to fill a cavity, fillings can also be used to mend fractures and cracks within the teeth. Fillings ensure a more serious alternative of removal of the tooth itself is not necessary. Fillings may be required if there is significant tooth decay. This decay is caused by the acids in foods breaking down the tooth enamel. The plaque is caused by saliva, food and bacteria, the acid within the plaque is the cause of tooth enamel decay.

Why might white fillings in Banbury be a better alternative to standard fillings?

Our patients at Amsel and Wilkins have a variety of motivators when they decide to pursue cosmetic or dental work, however most of our patients aim for a natural looking appearance. The traditional metal looking filling has been used for many years, however with several advancements in dental work in recent years, alternatives are now available. White fillings adhere directly to the tooth, and can even be applied to the sides of teeth. White fillings can be used to replace the traditional filling, our dentists remove the metal filling, ensure all debris is also taken out, and the new white filling is directly adhered. White fillings are a subtle alternative, meaning you can maintain your natural smile whilst fixing your dental problems. At our practice, our main concern and motivator is the wellbeing and satisfaction of our patients. Our smile is a huge asset of our appearance, and having a visible filling may act to decrease this. Having the white filling adhered causes minimal discomfort , and despite common misconception are reasonably priced.

Why choose us at Amsel and Wilkins to adhere your white fillings?

At Amsel and Wilkins we take pride in our treatments. With over forty years of experience, our team consists of a multitude of professionals, including a dental therapist and a business manager. We welcome new patients of all ages and offer a variety of treatments including cosmetic work. We offer an initial consultation at our practice, helping to assure our patients queries or concerns. The wellbeing and comfort of our patients is at the heart of everything we do.

It is common knowledge to most of us that standard metal fillings can be used to fix cavity decay within the mouth, therefore reducing discomfort and further damage, however standard metal fillings can be obvious within the mouth. Within modern society, several dental alternatives are available that aim to enhance your natural smile, a variety of which we offer here at our practice. We offer white fillings in Banbury to increase our patients confidence and minimise visible dental work, despite dental alterations being nothing to be ashamed of, most of our patients prefer minimal visibility when it comes to their fillings, a more natural alternative may be more attractive option for you too.

At our practice we are able to replace the traditional metal filling and replace it with our subtle tooth coloured alternative. Our dentists will remove the decay, along with the metal filling and replace it with our white filling, swiftly and with minimal discomfort. This material is able to withstand long term wear, such as acidic drinks and foods, as well as offering you a more natural smile. Fillings are common within dental work, and our white alternatives allow patients to feel a higher degree of confidence within their smile.

Why would I need a filling?

Fillings are used to treat dental decay. If dental cavities are left untreated they can lead to more serious dental damage and therefore dental hygiene issues. If these cavities are unresolved they may lead to further infection which may require surgery to fix. Our dentists will advise you whether or not fillings are required, and work through the possible options, such as the white fillings here at Amsel and Wilkins.

What are the advantages of white fillings?

White fillings in Banbury are relatively inexpensive in comparison to porcelain crowns, white fillings when applied correctly adhere extremely well to the teeth, they are also able to adhere to the sides of teeth. Unlike silver fillings, white fillings are able to be applied directly to the tooth, minimising further tooth decay, white fillings last several years and are a long term alternative for our patients. Amalgam is used to create metal coloured fillings, however they can cause discoloration for surrounding teeth and may appear unsightly, metal fillings are usually used in the lower jaw however they can also be applied to the upper jaw, replacing these fillings with modern tooth coloured materials may be a good choice for our patients if they wish to increase the natural look of their smile.

Why choose us to adhere your white fillings?

At Amsel and Wilkins, we offer a modern surgery that has been upstanding for over forty years, our caring team prioritise our patients wellbeing and comfort over anything else, we welcome patients from a variety of ages and offer a variety of dental as well as cosmetic treatments. Cosmetic dentistry and dental implants are just a few of the wide selection of treatments we have to offer. At our practice we offer an initial consultation to allow our patients to make their own informed decisions.

When you come for white fillings in Banbury with Amsel & Wilkins, we talk you through the whole procedure before going ahead. Some patients also like us to talk through what we are doing while we are doing it. This ensures that they feel comfortable and well informed during their treatment. We are happy to tailor our methods to enhance your experience.

Part of the information flow will be dedicated to what happens after you have had your teeth filled. This might include information on the sensations you will feel afterwards, how to care for your fillings and ongoing care guidance for your general oral health.

How will you feel?

Immediately after your treatment, you may still feel some numbness from the anaesthesia. This shouldn’t prevent you doing anything other than eating and drinking. Both activities can be a little strange until your mouth returns to normal.

Once you have the feeling back in your mouth, you might feel some sensitivity in the filled tooth. This is often because you have a complete and healthy tooth again and there are bits of filling pressing against areas that have been surrounded by decay for a while. Your body can adapt within hours or it might take a few weeks, depending on the depth of the previous damage and your healing abilities.

While you are feeling sensitivity, it is best to stay away from very hard or sticky foods, as these can exacerbate the problem. The same is true of liquids that are hot or cold. If you find the sensations persist even when you are not eating, you can take painkillers to alleviate them. If they seem to be getting worse, or they last longer than a few weeks, you need to get in touch with Amsel & Wilkins and we will help you to address the issue.

If you have had particularly extensive damage accompanied by pain, one of the major things that you will feel afterwards is relief. Dental pain can be acute, or it can be a persistent, nagging feeling. Either way, it is better to be completely free from the problem which is why it’s best to get any issues addressed sooner rather than later.

If you have visited us at Amsel & Wilkins and you have been told that you need white fillings in Banbury, you’re probably wondering what happens next. The exact procedure for your fitting depends on your circumstances, the depth of the damage and the area where you need a filling. However, we can give you general details about how fillings typically proceed here.

Local anaesthetic

It’s important to us that you are comfortable when you are getting your white fillings fitted at our practice. After all, you would not come to the dentist very often if you associated it with strong discomfort. Many people have this connection in their minds already and we want to do everything we can to reduce this perception of dentistry. Some fillings can proceed without anaesthetic but, for the most part, a local anaesthetic is applied. Even the act of administering the numbing agent is easier than it used to be as methods have developed that make the process more comfortable.

Removing decayed material

As well as surface holes, you are likely to have material that is in the process of decaying within the tooth. All of this needs to be removed using a drill before your filling can be placed otherwise it ends up under the filling and will eventually compromise your repair. This is a relatively quick process, but it can be accompanied by a buzzing sensation and some noise. If you think this will bother you, you are welcome to listen to music or undertake some other activity to distract you.

Preparing the area

Preparation depends on the type of filling you are having. Your dentist may need to etch the area to assist with bonding. Once the area is ready, they will place the filling.

Resin and polishing

There are several ways to give the whole process a beautiful finish. Your dentist might apply a resin for extra hold. They might polish a tooth up for a final finish. Once your white filling is in place, it will be hard for the casual onlooker to tell that your even have repairs on your teeth. This is the goal of a great restorative procedure.

Nothing says youth and health as well as a lovely set of pearly white teeth. How are yours looking after the winter and all that tea, red wine, coffee and other staining foods, not to mention tobacco? Bit on the yellow/grey side? How about when you laugh? Are you advertising your dental history to the world with rows of dark, glinty amalgam fillings?

All in all, it’s not a combo that’s going to create a dazzling smile, so maybe now is the time to go white in Banbury, with your trusty dental team here at Amsel & Wilkins.

White fillings

Did you know that white fillings make stronger teeth than amalgam fillings? That’s because your dentist doesn’t need to remove as much as healthy tooth material to put in a white filling. Also, the composite materials we use, bond to the inside of the teeth, so your filling is impenetrable by sneaky, decay-causing bacteria. Not so with amalgam, which sits inside the cavity and can allow bacteria to enter between it and the tooth. And, another big plus is that white fillings can be sculpted to recreate the mounds and valleys of an effective chewing surface, where amalgam can only lie flat within the tooth.

Several good reasons to go white next time you need a filling, or to get one replaced. Or why not have all your amalgam fillings replaced at once? You’re going to love tipping your head back to laugh again if you do.

Teeth whitening

Our teeth naturally get yellower as we age and the thinning enamel reveals the yellow dentin below. This, or staining as described above, can be transformed with the Zoom! whitening system.

Power whitening in the clinic takes about an hour to lighten your teeth by several shades. Protective barriers are put over your lips and gums before we paint your teeth with the whitener, which is then activated by a UV lamp.

Whitening at home takes a couple of weeks of wearing custom-made gel trays every day for a short period. The advantage of home whitening is that you can top up your treatment at any time.

Getting your fillings changed and your teeth whitened will help your confidence in your smile to go through the roof.

Many people need fillings after episodes of tooth decay. Often, these fillings are made of grey or silver substances that are highly noticeable when the person opens their mouth. They can look unsightly, and cause people to be self-conscious when socialising. Photographs of hilarious moments can be spoiled by the presence of these grey or silver blobs. At dentists like Amsel & Wilkins, the solution is to go white: replace silver fillings in Banbury.

Subtle and strong

Your dentist will assess your old fillings at a consultation, to see whether white fillings are an appropriate replacement. If they are, the old amalgam substance will be removed from your tooth, and replaced by a newly-created white substance, carefully matched to mimic the shade of the tooth into which it’s inserted. This new material is durable and functional, allowing you to bite into your food and chew it with gusto.

Aesthetic appeal

The great thing about white fillings is that they’re not visible when you open your mouth. Only a very nosy person will be able to detect them. By enhancing your aesthetic appeal, they may lead to an increase in your overall social confidence. At the same time, they ensure that your teeth function as they should do.

The process of placing them in the mouth will be familiar to you if you’ve ever had a filling. An anaesthetic will be used to numb the affected area of your mouth. Once the old filling has been removed, the white filling will be set within the tooth in several layers. After each layer has been applied, it will be cured using a special light. Once all the layers are in place, the dentist will check your teeth come together properly when biting. The procedure is then finished off with a final polish, after which your new white filling is ready for action.

Bonuses

The appearance of your teeth will be much improved once your white fillings are in place. They can also help prevent further decay, as long as you follow your dentist’s advice and maintain a good level of oral hygiene.

Sore teeth and persistent toothaches may be a sign that something is wrong with your teeth. If the pain just won’t go away, it is likely that could have a cavity. This pain will become worse over time and the only way to make it stop is by getting the cavity filled by your dentist.

At Amsel and Wilkins in Banbury, we urge our patients to have their teeth checked regularly in order to prevent decay and catch cavities before they become a bigger oral threat. Cavities can be generally treated with fillings but if they grow deep, a simple filling may not be enough. Not taking care of a cavity right away, might affect your tooth nerve and may even require a crown or root canal to fix the problem.

If you already have fillings, on the other hand, regular visits will allow our dentists to monitor them and watch out for any signs of wear or damage. While high-quality fillings can last for many years, they will eventually wear down and require replacement. Your dentist will let you know before pain and discomfort become noticeable. One other treatment option offered by our practice is to remove your old metal fillings and replace them with white fillings for a natural smile.

White composite fillings

If you have chipped, cracked or damaged teeth, fillings are essential for supporting and protecting them. Large cavities are noticeable and often painful, but small cavities also require your attention before they become extensive. Your dentist can help spot these cavities before it is too late and fill them in order to prevent them from expanding.

Just like metal fillings, composite, tooth-coloured fillings are used to repair teeth that are affected by decay, cracks or fractures, however extensive these may be. However, unlike metal fillings, composite fillings are made of tooth-coloured glass and plastic, which is very durable when set to the teeth. Your dentist will clean and remove the affected portion of the tooth and the fill it with the composite material. Composite fillings are long-lasting with good care and will withstand the forces in your mouth when biting and chewing.

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.