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If you're struggling with decayed, damaged, or worn teeth, it's time to consider a solution that not only restores your smile but also protects your teeth from further damage. Since traditional amalgam (silver) fillings may not be the best option due to their noticeable appearance, natural-looking white dental fillings come to the rescue to restore your beautiful smile!
Why Do I Need Dental Fillings?
When you have a decayed, damaged or worn tooth, it is important to treat it promptly. Why? Affected teeth are at high risk of decay and the infection may spread to your neighbouring teeth and eventually into your bloodstream. If left untreated, you will be in severe pain and may likely lose your tooth.
In such instances, dental fillings will come to your rescue and fix the cavity or damage in your tooth by rebuilding the lost tooth structure and restoring functionality.
There are many types of fillings made of different dental filling materials. These include:
- Amalgam
- White Fillings
- Porcelain Fillings
- Gold Fillings
For years, amalgam fillings have been the popular choice. However, with more and more patients seeking a more natural-looking solution, white fillings are replacing amalgam fillings as the preferred option.
What Are White Tooth Fillings?
White tooth fillings, also known as composite fillings, are a discreet and natural-looking dental restoration solution made using composite resin. Unlike amalgam fillings that stand out from the rest of your teeth, white fillings can be matched to the colour of your teeth, blending in seamlessly with surrounding teeth.
It’s a minimally invasive treatment that fills in areas of your tooth allowing you to enjoy improved oral health and an enhanced smile.
What are White Tooth Fillings Used For?
Unlike certain expensive cosmetic dentistry solutions, white tooth fillings are an affordable and extremely versatile solution used to:
- Fill a cavity
- Repair tooth decay
- Reshape a tooth
- Restore chipped or cracked teeth
- Close minor gaps between teeth
- Replace metal amalgam fillings
What’s the Procedure for Getting White Fillings?
- Getting white fillings is a straightforward and quick procedure whichbegins with the preparation of the affected tooth. A local anaesthetic will be administered to the affected area to make the process as pain-free as possible.
- The affected tooth will be cleaned and prepared, after which a bonding agent will be applied to help the filling bond more securely to the tooth.
- We will colour-match the composite resin material to blend in with your smile and apply it in layers on your affected tooth. After carefully shaping and sculpting each layer to fit the natural contours of the tooth, we will harden it using a high-intensity light.
- This will then be trimmed and polished to resemble your natural teeth.
This dental procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete. However, it may take longer, depending on the case and the number of fillings.
Benefits Of White Fillings
White fillings are versatile and suitable for most teeth and visible areas where aesthetics are a concern. However, they offer several other benefits that go beyond their aesthetic appeal:
- Does not expand or contract with temperature changes when you consume hot or cold food and beverages.
- Blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
- White dental fillings are mercury-free, unlike amalgam fillings.
- They are less invasive and require minimal tooth preparation so more of your natural tooth will be preserved. Only the decayed parts need to be removed.
Replacing Amalgam Fillings With White Fillings
Amalgam fillings have been used in dentistry for many years but their appearance can be quite noticeable when you talk or smile. They also have a tendency to expand and contract with changes in temperature which can lead to problems like tooth sensitivity.
At Warrnambool Smile Dental, we offer a solution that allows you to replace your amalgam fillings with new white fillings. Our experienced dentists will first assess your unique situation will safely remove the amalgam to prevent any issues. Then, we’ll prepare your tooth and apply the white composite material in layers to restore your tooth’s appearance and smile.
How Much Do White Fillings Cost in Warrnambool?
The cost of white fillings varies depending on the number of fillings needed, the position of the tooth in your mouth and the complexity of the procedure. A consultation with our dentists will help you determine the exact cost depending on your individual needs. We will carry out a comprehensive examination and discuss a suitable treatment plan with you.
Payment Plans At Warrnambool Smile Dental
We understand dental care is an important investment and we’re here to help make it an accessible service to all. That’s why we offer flexible payment plans to suit your needs and budget. Please feel free to reach out to us for more information on our payment options.
Quality White Tooth Fillings
At Warrnambool Smile Dental, we are committed to providing quality dental care to our community in Warrnambool and surrounding areas. With an experienced and friendly team, state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge dental technology, you can rest assured knowing your smile is in safe and capable hands.
Whether you are looking to restore your smile with white fillings or improve your oral health, we offer a range of dental solutions for your every need. With extensive experience restoring smiles, our dental professionals combine skill and artistry to enhance your smile. From cosmetic dentistry to general dentistry, emergency dentistry, children’s dentistry and dental implant services, we’ve got everything under one roof to take care of your smile.
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FAQS
White dental fillings typically last 5 to 10 years. However, these composite fillings can last even longer, depending on your oral hygiene and habits. With wear and tear, you may need to replace your dental fillings. If you see signs of decay, cracking or chipping, we recommend visiting our dental clinic to get your white fillings replaced.
Yes, you can replace your amalgam fillings with mercury-free, white dental fillings. Here are some reasons why you should replace your old amalgam fillings.
- With time, your amalgam fillings will start to wear away, leaving certain spaces exposed to the accumulation of bacteria. Left as they are, bacteria can enter further into your tooth structure and cause extensive damage, including tooth decay and tooth loss.
- Amalgam fillings react to temperature changes when eating and drinking which can exert pressure on your tooth and eventually lead to fractures and cracks.
- Since the metal components of amalgam fillings can erode over time, they can cause discolouration of your natural teeth.
- Amalgam fillings are noticeable when you smile or laugh. As a result, they can affect your self-confidence, whereas white fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
You can either wait until your amalgam fillings need replacing or go ahead and replace them immediately.
Taking good care of your white fillings is important because their lifespan depends on how well you care for them. Our dentists at Warrnambool Smile Dental will educate you on how to take care of your white fillings. Here are some easy-to-follow tips:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly
- Avoid consuming food immediately after getting white fillings. However, since composite resin hardens quickly, you will be able to eat and drink a few hours after the procedure.
- Avoid food and drinks that can stain your teeth and refrain from eating hard and sticky food that puts a lot of pressure on your teeth.
- Avoid clenching and grinding your teeth. If you grind your teeth when you sleep, we recommend getting a mouthguard to protect your teeth and fillings.
- Minimise the consumption of sugary foods and beverages to prevent tooth decay.
White dental fillings are made from a composite resin material and can be matched to the shade of your natural tooth to give your smile a seamless appearance after treatment.
White fillings are a suitable treatment option for many patients with cavities – especially if you want to restore your smile with a mercury-free, natural-looking solution. However, if you have larger holes or cracks in your teeth, you may need to consider other dental restoration options, such as porcelain crowns and onlays. Schedule a consultation with our dentists to find out if white fillings are the right choice for you. After a thorough assessment, we will recommend the best dental treatment for your dental condition and needs.
- Pain when biting and chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Red and swollen gums
- Visible holes or cracks on your teeth
- Discolouration of the tooth
Yes, they are considered safe. They do not contain mercury which is a component of silver amalgam fillings. Composite fillings bond securely to the tooth and are a popular choice for both front and back teeth.
Some people may experience temporary sensitivity after getting a white filling but it’s usually very mild and short-lived. Our dentist may recommend toothpaste for sensitive teeth or other measures to ease any discomfort.
Of course! White fillings are often the preferred choice for visible front teeth due to their natural appearance as they can repair chips, cracks or cavities without compromising the aesthetics of your smile.