If you’re lucky enough to have never had a dental filling before, or it has been a long time since your last one, you may only be familiar with the traditional amalgam fillings. These fillings can trace their origins back over hundreds of years and can be easily spotted because of their silver colour. Nowadays many dentists prefer to use white fillings, to match the surrounding teeth and leave you with a natural looking smile.
What Are White Tooth Fillings Used For?
White tooth fillings are used for the same purposes as traditional amalgam fillings - to fill holes, cracks, chips and gaps in teeth. They are a great option if you are conscious about your smile or have issues with your front teeth and don’t want fillings to be noticeable.
How Long Do They Last?
At first, white fillings were considered to be less durable than amalgam ones, but thanks to advances in dental technology there are now composite fillings that are comparable with the traditional fillings. Of course, the life expectancy of your white filling will depend upon where it is situated in your mouth and how much wear and tear it experiences from biting. We will be able to advise you on this at the time of your treatment.
Should You Replace Old Amalgam Fillings With White Ones?
It’s best to follow the old adage that ‘if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it’, and only replace fillings when advised by your dentist. If a filling breaks or falls out, then you can ask to have it replaced with a white tooth filling. In some cases, a filling may not be the best solution and you may need to opt for veneers or crowns, but we’ll always advise you on the options and answer any questions you might have.
What’s the Cost of a White Filling?
At Riverside Dental Spa the cost of a white filling depends upon how much treatment is required but prices start from £120 per tooth, or less if you are a member of our dental plan.
Top Tips on Avoiding Fillings
If you don’t like the idea of a dental filling, whether white or otherwise, here are some top tips to help you avoid dental decay:
- Brush twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste.
- Use dental floss or interdental brushes to remove debris from between the teeth.
- Visit your dentist twice a year, or as recommended.
- Have your teeth professionally cleaned, as recommended by your dentist and hygienist team.
- Try to avoid too much snacking in between meals or sipping on sugary drinks.
Regular trips to your dentist and a good oral health regime can go a long way to preventing dental decay which can lead to cavities. If you can’t catch it early enough however, rest assured our team is here to take care of any pain and discomfort associated with dental cavities. Should you require a white tooth filling, this can generally be completed within one visit.
Contact us now on 020 7091 0677 or click here to find out more about white tooth fillings or to book in for an appointment.
