White Fillings in Burnham for more natural looking teeth

White Fillings in Burnham for more natural looking teeth

05/04/2021

Tooth fillings have been around for a long time and a lot of progress has been made regarding the materials used. It is estimated that around one in four people has at least seven fillings during their lifetime. There are a variety of fillings available, Composite, Amalgam, Glass Ionomer, Silver and Gold inlays and outlays and porcelain. There are however two main types which are most popular either amalgam or composite resin. Amalgam has been around the longest and is usually used on the back teeth which are mostly used for chewing. They comprise a mixture of metal and mercury commonly referred to as silver and gold fillings. Composite resin fillings are strong and started being used in the 1960’s, these fillings are a mixture of plastic and silica, the silica creates a reflective property similar to enamel. White fillings in Burnham see this latter treatment as the treatment of choice.

The benefits

Amalgam metal fillings tend to expand and contract requiring a cautious approach to drinking hot and cold drinks to avoid sensitivity. The other result of expanding and contracting is that amalgam fillings can become loose and fall out. Metal and mercury can also leak into your mouth over time from this type of filling. Amalgam fillings, especially metal turn black over time which does not make for a great look when smiling. Composite fillings do not expand and contract when drinking hot and cold beverages resulting in more permanent bonding. The nature of composite fillings, being resin based, means that they bond better and mould more easily to your bite. There is also no metal or mercury in amalgam fillings so there can be no leakage of metal or mercury into the mouth or bloodstream. White fillings in Burnham are more natural looking and can be blended to match the surrounding teeth colour. The pliability of Composite fillings also allows the dentist to mould the structure to match adjacent teeth. Once polished the resin produces a reflective quality that makes identifying the filling from the natural teeth difficult.

What is the procedure

Composite fillings are available in two types, direct or indirect, this refers to the curing process. The direct method uses a curing light to harden the dental composite after the filling material has been used to fill the cavity and has been moulded to the shape necessary to provide the correct bite. This procedure is used primarily for tooth shaping, disguising gaps and fillings. The indirect process requires the composite material to be cured in a laboratory before placing in the mouth. This procedure is used mainly for much larger tooth cavities, partial crowns, inlays and overlays and reshaping.

Maintenance equals longevity

It is necessary to maintain your teeth and gums through a proper hygiene regime no matter which filling you choose. Regular maintenance like brushing your teeth regularly and flossing after each meal, avoiding sugar and attending regular biannual visits to your dentist are essential to a healthy mouth. No fillings will last forever and by attending regular visits your dentist will identify when a filling needs to be replaced. Composite fillings are easy to replace, mould and polish making them the first choice of filling. Don’t delay visiting your dentist if you feel that your teeth need attention, filling is part of the maintenance regime and will help you to keep your teeth for many years.