At Camden Family Dental, we want our esteemed patients to have dazzling smiles that impress everyone around them. That is why we only have the finest-quality and esthetically pleasing white fillings to restore damaged teeth.
What are White Fillings?
According to the Australian Dental Association, white fillings, composite or bonded restorations, are fillings made of tooth-coloured resins. These filling materials comprise a mixture of a plastic-like resin that improves the aesthetics and a filler that strengthens the filling material. The best thing about white fillings is that they can be directly bonded to the tooth structure. Hence, the name bonded restorations.
Who Can Get White Fillings?
White fillings are suitable for anyone who has one or more damaged teeth, and they are seeking an esthetic restorative option. At Camden Family Dental, we recommend white fillings for the following cases:
- Crooked or chipped teeth
- Decayed teeth
- Fractured teeth
- Teeth with permanent stains
- Restoration of teeth after root canal treatment
- Replacement of old silver amalgam fillings
- To restore abnormally shaped teeth
What is the Procedure for Getting White Fillings?
Getting white fillings is a simple procedure that can be completed in a single sitting. First, we will remove the decayed or weakened tooth structure, followed by thoroughly washing and drying the tooth surface. Next, we will apply a mild etchant on the tooth surface to be bonded for 30 seconds and then wash it. This creates microporosities that help create a bond between the tooth and the restoration. Afterwards, we will apply the white filling on the damaged tooth structure in small increments. Each increment will be appropriately shaped and hardened using a special light until the damaged tooth’s shape, and esthetics are restored. Finally, we will polish the restoration’s surface to maximise the aesthetics and prevent the chances of plaque accumulation in the future.
Are White Fillings Safe?
White fillings are safe for use in the oral cavity. Previously, concerns were raised regarding Bisphenol-A, a toxic compound in some resin-based restorations. However, research has shown that the amount of BPA in white fillings is too low to cause harm. Furthermore, recent white filings are BPA-free. So, you can get these filings without worrying about safety or health concerns. In fact, white filings are recommended as a suitable replacement option for old or damaged silver amalgam fillings that carry health risks due to mercury release.
How to Look After My White Fillings?
White fillings are fairly long-lasting if they are looked after carefully. Here are some things that you should take care of to enhance the life of your filings:
- Avoid eating hard or sticky foods directly with your bonded teeth
- Avoid chewing on ice directly with your white filling-restored teeth; it may fracture the restoration
- Maintain optimal oral health through brushing and flossing; it helps in preventing secondary tooth decay and staining
- Visit us regularly for checkups
White fillings are an excellent restoration option for damaged teeth. So, if you have one or more stained or crooked teeth, visit us today and let us help you get back your smile!