The Good Dentist team in Newcastle are experts in composite (white) teeth fillings. We find them superior when it comes to repairing and fixing holes in our patient’s teeth because they provide aesthetically pleasing results and often hide the fact you had a cavity in the first place. In some cases an Onlay may be suggested in place of a white filling to improve durability and longevity of your tooth.
Composit fillings are preferred to amalgam (metal) fillings for many reasons: superior aesthetics give harmonious results, there’s very little risk of leakage or decay under the filling and the composite can be bonded directly to the tooth, so it doesn’t need support from an underlying core.
The Good Dentist clinicians find it paramount that you are well informed and understand all options available to you when choosing your treatment to proceed with.
Types Of Fillings
When deciding what type of filling to use in a tooth cavity, it is important to consider how much of the tooth is being reconstructed, the biting load on that tooth long term and the longevity of the tooth itself. Once these three things are triaged, we then discuss with our patient’s options to rebuild the tooth listening to your concerns and financial needs.
The most common tooth fillings and restorations including crowns, Onlays and veneers are made from:
- Colour Matched Composites – high aesthetics and versatility, is matched precisely to your tooth colour, designed to look natural, instant replacement usually completed in one appointment.
- Ceramics – stain-resistant porcelain, primarily used in posterior molar teeth and Onlays for its durability. Has the ability to block-out dark cores.
- Glass Ionomer – acrylic/glass composite, has the ability to reflect a translucency, is commonly used in anterior teeth for crowns and veneers.
Gold – very durable, not commonly used, usually patients request.
What is the difference between Composite Fillings and Onlay replacements?
A composite filling is made up of a soft material that is bonded directly to your tooth in one appointment and is an immediate replacement. In some cases where a large percentage of the tooth surface has been damaged and decayed it requires a longer lasting replacement that is more durable. If the majority of the external part of the tooth is still strong and undamaged then an Onlay is the next best option. An Onlay is made from the same materials as a crown or veneer. To read more about Onlays click here.
Why Composite Fillings Are Preferred to Amalgam
Composites have revolutionised dental treatment, allowing us to repair teeth quickly, change the colour and reshape teeth, with less impact on the natural tooth.
The new generation composites are a mixture of plastic and glass materials used to restore decayed teeth, reshape existing teeth and are even used in smile design makeovers in place of veneers for those needing a more urgent change at a lower cost. The composites are bonded to the tooth structure which strengthens the tooth and prevents further deterioration of the surrounding enamel The goal is to not be able to tell the difference between where the filling starts and where it joins to the natural tooth
Composite dental fillings are the only immediate filling replacement we offer at The Good Dentist as they have many benefits compared to other filling types such as amalgam.
- Natural Appearance – composite materials can be matched to the colour of your teeth providing a more natural look
- Strength and Durability – composite fillings can last as long as silver amalgam fillings if properly placed, and cared for. Composites don’t corrode or wear down like metal.
- Less Structural Impact – cavities are cleaned out and filled with a composite filling. Therefore less of the healthy tooth needs to be removed, compared to amalgam fillings which are not bonded to teeth.
Fitting A Filling
When teeth are decayed, damaged or an old filling has fallen out, a composite filling can be placed on the tooth. This is done by removing the decay and shaping the remaining tooth so the new filling will adhere to it.
A white filling is produced from a mixture of fine glass particles suspended in a resin. The composite material is placed into the prepared cavity in layers, sculpted by hand, and polished to match the natural shine of your teeth. The filling is then hardened using a special light and sealed to prevent plaque build-up or decay setting in.
This process can be done in one visit for most patients.
Make Your Smile Whole Again
Composite fillings are the standard and superior way to repair small and medium size cavities in teeth, enabling us to colour-match your beautiful smile. Composite dental fillings look better, feel better ,and can be shaped to fit the cavity exactly so no one else will ever know.
Contact The Good Dentist, Newcastle, today and book an appointment or get answers to any questions you may have about composite fillings.