White Fillings

[mp_row]

[mp_span col=”12″]

[mp_heading]

White Fillings

[/mp_heading]

[/mp_span]

[/mp_row]

[mp_row]

[mp_span col=”12″]

[mp_text]

 

Tooth colored fillings, also called white fillings, are dental fillings that restore and mimic the natural appearance of tooth structure. In addition to restoring teeth that have fractured or decayed, tooth colored fillings may also be used cosmetically to change the size, color and shape of teeth. This quality is particularly useful in closing gaps between teeth; repairing chipped teeth and making teeth appear to be more straight or even.

What are the advantages of tooth colored fillings (white fillings)?

  • They closely match natural tooth color and appearance.
  • They bond to tooth structure chemically and thus do not require the placement of slots, grooves or pins in healthy tooth structure to mechanically retain them.
  • The bonding of white fillings to the tooth restore 85% – 95% of the original strength of the tooth.
  • They completely harden in seconds instead of days required by some other materials.
  • Tooth sensitivity, if any, due to composite resin use is minimal and brief.
  • They may be used on front and back teeth without compromising esthetics.
  • If damaged they can be repaired.

What are the disadvantages of tooth colored fillings (white fillings)?

  • Frequent and/or prolonged exposure to dark liquids (coffee, tea, red wine) and foods with rich dyes (curries, etc.) may stain them.
  • They are not as strong as metal fillings.
  • Frequent and/or prolonged exposure to liquids with a high alcohol content may degrade them.
  • They are more expensive than dental amalgam fillings.
  • Dental insurance companies frequently impose a surcharge, payable by the patient, for placement of white fillings instead of dental amalgam, especially for back teeth.

Tooth colored fillings, also called white fillings, are dental fillings that restore and mimic the natural appearance of tooth structure. In addition to restoring teeth that have fractured or decayed, tooth colored fillings may also be used cosmetically to change the size, color and shape of teeth. This quality is particularly useful in closing gaps between teeth; repairing chipped teeth and making teeth appear to be more straight or even.

chipped front tooth repaired with tooth colored composite resin
Before and After: tooth colored composite resin may also be used cosmetically as it closely matches natural tooth color and appearance. It is used to fix a chipped front tooth shown in the photos above.

What are the advantages of tooth colored fillings (white fillings)?

  • They closely match natural tooth color and appearance.
  • They bond to tooth structure chemically and thus do not require the placement of slots, grooves or pins in healthy tooth structure to mechanically retain them.
  • The bonding of white fillings to the tooth restore 85% – 95% of the original strength of the tooth.
  • They completely harden in seconds instead of days required by some other materials.
  • Tooth sensitivity, if any, due to composite resin use is minimal and brief.
  • They may be used on front and back teeth without compromising esthetics.
  • If damaged they can be repaired.

What are the disadvantages of tooth colored fillings (white fillings)?

  • Frequent and/or prolonged exposure to dark liquids (coffee, tea, red wine) and foods with rich dyes (curries, etc.) may stain them.
  • They are not as strong as metal fillings.
  • Frequent and/or prolonged exposure to liquids with a high alcohol content may degrade them.
  • They are more expensive than dental amalgam fillings.
  • Dental insurance companies frequently impose a surcharge, payable by the patient, for placement of white fillings instead of dental amalgam, especially for back teeth.

[/mp_text]

[/mp_span]

[/mp_row]