If you’re conscious about your smile and how your teeth look when you laugh, the last thing you’d want is the shine of silvery metal being noticeable. Fortunately, advancements in modern technology now allow for fillings that are both effective and blend naturally with your teeth. Visit our dentist near you to learn more about white dental fillings.
There’s a difference, and you have a choice… ask us!
The modern alternative is a composite or white filling, named for its ability to mimic the natural shade, texture, and translucency of your teeth, offering a more aesthetically pleasing result compared to traditional silver amalgam fillings. These fillings are typically composed of glass particles, synthetic resin, and a hardening agent.
White fillings have been the material of choice for dental fillings for more than two decades. With advances in materials and techniques, these fillings are now even more natural looking, more polished, and have an improved combination of strength, finish, and longevity than ever before.
When is it Time to Replace Your Old Amalgam Fillings?
Old failing, black metal amalgam fillings can create potential problems within our teeth. Research has shown that old amalgam restorations and dental fillings create stress on the surrounding tooth structure, and in the end, teeth can crack and break down, or decay could leak underneath these fillings.
If treated early, teeth have a better long-term prognosis. At Springhill Dental, our NW Calgary dentist can advise when it is time to replace old amalgam fillings.
Are White Fillings Right for You?
White fillings are a great treatment option for many people. However, when teeth have larger holes or cracks, our dentist in NW Calgary may recommend using porcelain crowns or porcelain onlays to restore the tooth to full strength. Porcelain onlays and crowns are stronger, and will usually outlast white fillings. This returns the integrity to your tooth and helps to prevent fatal fractures and further breakdown that could lead to root canal treatment or extraction.
How Long Do White Fillings Last?
White Fillings may last from just a few years right up to a few decades. Generally, the smaller the filling, the longer it will last, as the bulk of the strength comes from the remaining tooth structure around the filling. Very large white fillings may eventually require replacement with a porcelain crown or onlay to rebuild the lost strength in the tooth.
Our dentist in Calgary welcomes patients from Scenic Acres, Ranchlands, Northwest Calgary, Silver Springs, and Bowness. Visit us today!
Visit our dentist in NW Calgary for various oral care services, including dentures, sedation dentistry, emergency dentistry, children’s dentist in Calgary, TMJ, crowns, white fillings, root canal therapy, TMJ treatment, implants, veneers, Invisalign, fillings, teeth whitening, etc.
FAQs
Tooth-coloured fillings are restorations made from a composite material designed to repair teeth affected by decay or minor damage. They are chosen because they blend naturally with the surrounding tooth structure, allowing the tooth to function normally without drawing attention when you smile or speak.
Composite fillings are fixed directly to the tooth and do not contain metal. This allows the dentist to save more of the natural tooth during treatment. In contrast, silver fillings are more visible and may require additional tooth removal to stay in place.
The durability of a white filling depends on where it is placed, how much pressure the tooth handles during chewing, and how well oral hygiene is maintained. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups all play an important role in helping fillings remain stable over time.
The procedure is usually straightforward and comfortable. The area is numbed before treatment begins, and the filling is shaped carefully to fit your bite. Some temporary sensitivity afterward can occur, but this typically settles as the tooth adjusts.
Yes. Advances in composite materials allow white fillings to be used on both front teeth and back teeth. Your dentist will judiciously assess the size of the cavity and biting forces to determine whether a composite filling is appropriate for a particular tooth.
The cost of a white filling varies on the basis of both size and location of the repair. Many Canadian dental benefit plans provide partial coverage for composite fillings. Our office can help review your coverage and explain any expected out-of-pocket costs before treatment.
After treatment, it’s helpful to avoid very hard foods for a short period. Continuing with regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits helps protect the filling and maintain the health of the restored tooth.
