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What are white fillings?

White fillings are made from dental composite and are used to restore decay, cavities or chipped teeth. Dental composite can also be used to improve the shape of teeth and close small gaps between teeth (diastemas). They are a great minimally invasive option and are bonded to your teeth with less tooth tissue removal compared to other techniques. Dental composites are available in a variety of tooth shades and your cosmetic dentist at Your Smile Clinic uses advanced layering techniques to produce a natural result. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dental composite used to restore this carious decayed molar 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This old fissure sealant was leaking and had decay underneath.

The tooth was restored back to its natural appearance with dental composite

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These old amalgam filings were leaking with decay under the fillings.

They were replaced with tooth coloured dental composites.

The tooth on the far right was also decayed and has been restored with tooth coloured dental composite.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This old composite filling had stained and worn down requiring replacement.

It was restored back to a natural appearance with dental composite. 

 

 

What are the advantages of white fillings?

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• Natural discreet appearance

• Bonded to your tooth

• Can be repaired

• Mercury free

 

What are the disadvantages of white fillings?

White fillings are more technique sensitive therefore require more skill and time, especially if advanced layering techniques are used to produce a natural result. 

Dental composite can stain with time, and Your Smile Clinic cosmetic dentists will spend time polishing your new restoration to ensure you get the optimum aesthetic result. 

Some people can be allergic to white fillings or to the bonding agent used. Please let Your Smile Clinic staff know if you have experienced any reactions to white fillings in the past. 

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How long do white fillings last? 

This depends on many factors such as your bite, how big the filling is and how well you look after and maintain your teeth. It is important to visit the dentist regularly for examinations to ensure the filling is still intact and not leaking. Over time the bond between the dental composite and your natural tooth can deteriorate due to the acidic and wet environment of the mouth, and the daily stresses subjected to your teeth from chewing and swallowing. The bond can deteriorate and the margins can start leaking and you could get decay under the filling. Sometimes the bond deteriorates and the filling falls out. These fillings can stain over time and wear down too. Many patients have had composite fillings intact for over 10 years. 

 

Do white fillings hurt?

As with most fillings, you will usually require a local dental anaesthetic to numb the area whilst the dentist works on the tooth. Some small cavities do not require any anaesthetic and the treatment can be carried out quickly and comfortably. After treatment, it is normal to experience some mild sensitivity for a day or so.  

 

How much do white fillings cost?

Cosmetic tooth coloured composite restorations start from £195. The fee is dependent on the complexity and size of the defect or cavity to be restored. 

 

 

Call us on 0161 327 2878 to book an appointment