Could White Fillings Complete Your Perfect Smile?

Effective & Attractive Tooth Decay Treatments From Your Dentist Near Shepherd’s Bush

Here at your local dentist near Shepherds Bush, we offer a wide range of general dentistry such as crowns, bridges and hygienist services, but we also offer excellent cosmetic dentistry solutions such as veneers, teeth whitening and adult teeth straightening too!

Some of the treatments we offer actually come under both umbrellas, one of which is white fillings.

White fillings used to be a lot less common when modern dentistry wasn’t as advanced and the only real affordable option was amalgam fillings (silver fillings). However modern dentistry provides options for all kinds of treatments and dental problems, and white fillings are now much more commonplace and popular because they are more available and affordable. When you have a beautiful, bright smile, it can be a shame to compromise it if you need to have a filling, and opt for an amalgam version. The aesthetics of amalgam fillings are not an issue for some, but for others, they just aren’t suitable, and so in many cases white fillings are preferred.

Perhaps you’re unsure as to whether or not you should have an amalgam or a white filling? These Q&A’s on white fillings should answer everything you need to help you make an informed decision about whether an amalgam or white filling is the best option for you:

What is the difference between a white filling and an amalgam filling apart from their appearance?

Silver amalgam fillings have been used for longer than white fillings and are a tested and proven method of filling in a cavity effectively. They use a silver amalgam material that is extremely durable and can last a lifetime. Cosmetic white fillings, however, are made up of a white composite material and are designed to blend in with the tooth.

Are white fillings as strong as silver fillings?

White fillings can last just as long as amalgam fillings, although some evidence does suggest they may not be quite as durable. They will in most cases last a long time, just possibly not quite as long as a silver filling.

What are the benefits of a white filling?

The main benefit is that it blends into the colour of the tooth, so it isn’t as obvious that you have had a filling. When you have an amalgam filling, the dark silver material stands out in contrast to the lighter colour of your teeth. White fillings do not contain any mercury compounds and whilst the regulatory authorities have declared amalgam safe to use, some people prefer to avoid any possible risks.

Are white fillings more expensive than amalgam fillings?

White fillings do cost more than amalgam fillings because the material used is more expensive. However, should you have a white filling in Shepherds Bush, your dentist would let you know how much it would be before going ahead and starting any cosmetic dentistry work.

Can I have old amalgam fillings replaced with white fillings?

If you want to have white fillings in Shepherds Bush to replace your silver fillings this may be possible depending on your individual circumstances, but it isn’t something we generally recommend. In most cases, your dentist will prefer not to take out existing fillings if they are working well.

Remember, prevention is better than cure and hopefully you won’t need any fillings at Acton Vale Dentists because your oral hygiene regime is keeping your teeth healthy and cavity free. However, it is good to be informed should you ever need to make the choice between these two effective and affordable methods for repairing decayed teeth.