Restore and protect your teeth with white fillings
Dark grey amalgam fillings may have once been the material of choice for fillings, but white fillings are now growing in popularity. Advances in tooth-coloured composite material design means that discreet fillings are now a possibility. At Devonshire Dental Care, we work with dental laboratory technicians to create tooth-coloured fillings or white ceramic inlays and onlays to help complete your tooth restoration. We can also replace older metal fillings with white fillings to improve your smile.
What is a white composite filling?
A composite filling is the same as a conventional filling, but the finished result is far more aesthetically pleasing. Instead of using amalgam fillings, which are a mixture of metals including mercury, silver, tin and copper, we can use white composite resin to complete a tooth restoration.
This procedure may be required following a cavity repair when your dentist removes the damaged portion of your tooth. To help protect the tooth and restore your bite, your dentist will then fill the hole with composite material. By matching the material colour to the surrounding teeth, the result is a lot more discreet.
What is an inlay/onlay?
When you have a more extensive cavity, or when part of the side of the tooth structure has been damaged, we may recommend a custom inlay or onlay. These are small porcelain pieces that are designed to seal a damaged tooth and restore your bite. As we have laboratory technicians to create your inlay or onlay on-site, the process is much easier.
We use impressions and digital scans to create an inlay on only that perfectly fits your tooth. We then use a special dental cement to secure this in place. An inlay or onlay is suitable for situations that are too extensive for a simple filling, but not so extensive that they require a crown. They are especially suitable for the chewing surfaces on back teeth and large repairs to front teeth.
Which one is right for me?
During your consultation, we will explore the options available to you and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each one. This will enable you to make an informed choice about your treatment.
