Composite fillings: the alternative to metal amalgam restorations

At Leamington Spa Dental Clinic we believe that staying up to date with the latest dental techniques and materials is crucial in achieving the best for our patients. So what about white fillings Leamington Spa and the option to replace older metal amalgam restorations? And why are they a better option for patients?

The problem with metal amalgam restorations

Metal amalgam restorations, also known as silver fillings, have been used for decades to treat cavities. However, they have several drawbacks that make them less than ideal for patients. Additionally, metal amalgam restorations are unsightly and can cause embarrassment when laughing or smiling. Furthermore, they require a significant amount of tooth structure to be removed, leading to weaker teeth and potentially even fractures.

What are composite fillings?

Composite fillings or white fillings Leamington Spa are a newer type of dental restoration that has been gaining popularity in recent years. They are made of a tooth-coloured resin material that is bonded to the tooth. Unlike metal amalgam restorations, composite fillings require less tooth structure to be removed, allowing for more conservative and minimally invasive treatments.

Why choose composite fillings?

Composite fillings offer several benefits over metal amalgam restorations. Firstly, they are aesthetically pleasing, as they match the natural colour of your teeth. This means you can have a cavity treated without anyone knowing you have had dental work done. Furthermore, composite fillings require less tooth structure to be removed, leading to more robust and healthier teeth in the long term.

Another advantage of composite fillings is that they bond directly to the tooth structure, creating a tight seal that helps prevent further decay from occurring.

The option to replace older metal amalgam restorations

If you already have metal amalgam restorations in your mouth, you may be wondering if it is possible to replace them with composite fillings. The answer is yes! At our clinic, we offer the option to replace your old metal amalgam restorations with composite fillings. This will not only improve the appearance of your teeth, but also make them stronger and healthier in the long term.

It is important to note that replacing metal amalgam restorations with composite fillings is not always necessary. If your metal amalgam restorations are still in good condition and not causing any problems, there may be no need to replace them. However, if they are showing signs of wear and tear or if you simply want to improve the appearance of your teeth, we can help you make the switch to composite fillings.

Better dental health with composite fillings

In conclusion, white fillings Leamington Spa are an excellent alternative option to metal amalgam restorations. Furthermore, they offer a more durable and long-lasting solution for dental restorations. If you have old metal amalgam restorations in your mouth that are adversely affecting you, we encourage you to consider replacing them with composite fillings. At our dental clinic, we are committed to providing the highest quality dental care, and we are confident that composite fillings will help our patients achieve better dental health and general wellbeing.

Transform your smile with the help of white fillings

As a patient you are not alone if you have been told you have a cavity by your local dentist. It’s quite common and the good news is that it is easily treatable. In fact, it’s been said that almost 9 out of 10 patients will have a cavity in their lifetime.

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Thanks to modern technology and aesthetically pleasing solutions, white fillings Leamington Spa can offer the perfect solution and we are proud to offer them here at Leamington Spa Dental Practice.

If you’re looking for a subtle solution in the form of cavity repair, white fillings Leamington Spa are ideal. Now you can enjoy natural-looking results thanks to the composite resin used to create the filling for patients.

These resin fillings are also a lot safer than traditional silver amalgam which has been used for fillings over the past few years.

Visit our local dental practice for a modern alternative to traditional fillings

Here at our practice, we use state-of-the-art technology and the latest techniques in order to deliver modern solutions to dental issues experienced by our patients. We are dedicated to helping patients achieve a healthy smile and this can be achieved through the use of white fillings Leamington Spa.

One of the reasons we are so passionate about white fillings is that they appear natural and can easily blend in, making them barely visible. Contrary to traditional silver amalgam or gold fillings that were used in the past, white fillings offer a discreet alternative solution. We are also able to colour-match the filling to the shade of your natural tooth for a flawless finish.

Another advantage of having white fillings made from this durable resin is that it has no effect on your natural teeth over extended periods of wear. Some patients may experience the shade of their teeth being affected by the silver amalgam fillings, leaving them tinted due to the contact of the amalgam with their tooth enamel.

Enjoy no interference to your tooth structure with white fillings

One of the leading benefits of having white fillings as opposed to traditional metal fillings is that they provide little interference to the structure of your tooth. During the filling process, our dental practitioner typically removes any decaying tissue present in order to stop bacteria from spreading or worsening. Traditionally, silver fillings need to have more enamel removed than with white fillings, which can weaken the structure of your tooth. Thanks to the composite resin found in white fillings, only minimal enamel is required to be removed so you can enjoy little interference with the structure of your teeth.

Enjoy safe results with longer-lasting effects

At Leamington Spa Dental Practice, we care about the safety and wellbeing of our patients and strive to minimise risk wherever possible. We highly recommend using white fillings due to the safety and minimal risk they can offer patients during the treatment process. Traditional silver amalgam fillings consist of a metal alloy mixture which increases the risk of a bad reaction for patients with a metal allergy. While white fillings are created from a unique combination of non-toxic plastic and ceramic that together form composite resin.

If you’re looking for a low risk and durable solution in the form of a filling, white composite ones offer both an aesthetically pleasing result and will help to protect your teeth in the process.

Cosmetic dentistry and how it can help you

Cosmetic dentistry is an increasingly popular field of dentistry that is ever-evolving and becoming more accessible and convenient to help suit individual requirements and needs.  Up until very recently, there has been a reluctance amongst adults to consider dental treatment for cosmetic purposes in otherwise healthy teeth, however, times have changed and everyone wants a beautiful smile. To meet the changes in demand, dentists have been developing many different types of cosmetic dental treatments. Cosmetic dentistry specialises in improving the appearance of natural teeth and gums, such as whitening of stained or discoloured teeth, alignment of crooked teeth and improving the aesthetics of the teeth in general.

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Fillings are one of the most commonly carried out procedures in dentistry and almost everyone requires fillings at least once in their lifetime. They are used in the treatment of cavities and tooth decay. Cavities can occur over time in teeth of all ages and fillings are required in children and later in life. They usually occur as a result of poor oral hygiene where plaque is not effectively removed from the surface of the teeth and when bacteria in the plaque secrete acids that damage the surface of the tooth and cause tiny holes which ultimately become one large hole. This then needs treatment in the form of a filling because if left untreated it can result in tooth decay and tooth loss. There are many different types of fillings available such as amalgam fillings, gold fillings, porcelain fillings, inlays, outlays and composite, white fillings in Leamington Spa. These can be chosen according to whatever is most suitable for your tooth or to meet your individual choice and requirements.

White fillings in Leamington Spa, are also known as composite fillings. They have become the most popular choice of fillings as they are an attractive alternative to the conventional amalgam fillings which have a silver like appearance and are very noticeable in the mouth. White fillings in Leamington Spa are designed to be moulded to the exact shape of the tooth and are set into place using UV light. They provide more support and stability as they are bonded strongly to the tooth and they have been found to require less of the original tooth to be taken out when removing the decay inside the cavity which helps preserve the integrity of the original tooth. White fillings in Leamington Spa are metal-free, and therefore they are invisible and they are resistant to changes in temperature and other factors in your mouth, which helps prevent issues such as sensitivity which can occur with amalgam fillings, and they also help prevent further damage to your teeth. The way they are moulded helps support the tooth further by repairing any minor existing damage which may be present on the surface of your tooth such as tiny cracks in the enamel and this helps increase the longevity of your natural tooth as well. They are designed to blend closely with the natural colour of your tooth and therefore they are completely undetectable as they are almost invisible so no one will have to know that you have fillings unless you want them to. Speak to your dentist to find out more about why white fillings may be the perfect choice of filling for you.

What are fillings?

Fillings are one of the most common forms of dental treatment that people can require in their lifetime. Fillings are used to repair cavities in your tooth that have been caused by decay over time. The main cause of cavities is the consumption of food and drinks that are high in carbohydrates and sugars which lead to holes forming on the surface of your tooth. At Leamington Spa Dental Practice in Warwickshire fillings are a simple treatment that our dentists are able to undertake for you both under the NHS and privately, for cosmetic purposes.

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What are the different types of fillings?

The two main types of fillings available are white fillings and amalgam fillings. White fillings, also known as composite fillings, are designed to be moulded to the exact shape of your tooth and are set into place with a UV blue light. The second type of fillings available are amalgam fillings. Dental amalgam consists of a mixture of metals including liquid mercury and a powdered alloy made of silver, tin and copper. Dental amalgam fillings are known as silver fillings because of their silver-like appearance. We offer white fillings Leamington Spa and we can replace your old amalgam fillings or composite fillings should you require.

What are the benefits of white fillings?

One of the benefits of getting your white fillings Leamington Spa is that we can ensure that they blend more closely with your natural tooth colour, so you will not be able to tell that any work has been done at all. Therefore they are more aesthetically pleasing. Technology allows us to be able to blend colours further to match your other natural teeth for a seamless finish. White fillings provide support to teeth that have been weakened by decay and also to any crooked teeth you may have. An additional benefit of white fillings is that they contain insulating properties which offer more protection from hot and cold foods. Nowadays due to advancements in technology, getting your white fillings Leamington Spa will mean that they are more durable and there is no fear of them cracking.

What are the drawbacks of white fillings?

There are very few disadvantages to having white fillings.The main drawback is that they are more expensive than amalgam fillings and this is due to the more skilled procedure that is required. Also white fillings are not as strong as amalgam fillings and are more likely to get stained and deteriorate quicker over time through the consumption of wine and other foods that can cause damage to teeth. In addition the decay or cavity is more likely to reoccur under the white filling and may need to be re-done over time.

Who is eligible for white fillings?

It is important that you get your filling treatment as soon as you need it, as an untreated tooth decay could lead to more problems that could require serious treatment in the future. When undertaking the procedure we will make you as comfortable as possible by giving you a local anaesthetic. The next time you require a white filling come and visit us at Leamington Spa Dental Practice in Warwickshire and we can talk to you about your specific dental needs.

Thought about white fillings in Leamington Spa?

Many patients may not be aware, but fillings are actually one of the most popular dental treatments around, and have been within the field of dentistry for many years since the 1500s! Fillings are a form of restorative dentistry, however we believe it is always best to focus on preventing cavities, before they occur.

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Patients who may be eligible for white fillings in Leamington Spa

If you are experiencing dental pain, or can see obvious signs of decay within your mouth, then fillings may be recommended by our dental team. Despite common misconception, pain or sensitivity is not necessary to diagnose a cavity, which can still occur without obvious dental symptoms. In terms of the causes of cavities, patients who are consuming highly sugary food and drink may be more prone to developing damage, as well as individuals who do not brush to a high enough standard.

Did you know?

Most patients will receive at least one filling in their lifetime, despite employing a dental hygiene routine at home. Unfortunately cavities can still develop, this may be due to diet, or general damage to the teeth. Despite our constant promotion of preventive and educational dentistry, they are unfortunately sometimes inevitable, which is why we strive to make fillings as aesthetically pleasing, and as durable possible!

How do white fillings in Leamington Spa compare to traditional metal fillings?

White fillings differ greatly in their appearance, however both options strive to fill the cavity, therefore preventing any further unnecessary damage to the tooth. Traditional amalgam fillings have been criticised for their mercury content, a problem which does not occur with white fillings at our clinic. White fillings are fairly new in comparison to traditional fillings, and were originally criticised for being less effective, however with the use of new dental materials this is no longer the case.

How do white fillings in Leamington Spa work?

Many of our new patients may have heard of white fillings, however they may be unsure of the treatment process to expect.

Before the treatment starts, our dentists will speak to you in an initial consultation (a standard procedure within dentistry), to determine the best possible course of treatment. After we have agreed that white fillings are right for your dental case, we can commence treatment. Before the fillings are adhered, our dentists may have to file down the teeth, this ensures a perfect fit for our custom made fillings.

Does it hurt?

No! Many of our patients, especially those who experience anxiety within a dental environment, may worry about any discomfort or pain during treatment, however we always administer a local anaesthetic, to ensure our patients are comfortable, and happy.

Working with you

Many patients may be concerned about obvious dental work, especially those who believe that it could hinder their social or career prospects. If you are looking for a more discreet form of restorative dentistry, then look no further. Our fillings should be referred to as ‘tooth coloured’ as they are custom made for each individual, meaning the shape and shade is perfectly matched to the surrounding natural teeth.

Keep your teeth looking lovely after decay

We all know when we are treated to the sight of someone yawning what their dental history has been. When we see rows of dark metal fillings lining up along their jawbones, we can imagine a childhood filled with sweet treats and maybe a few tussles with the parents and the toothbrushing.

White Fillings in Leamington SpaOur childhood fillings have been with us a long time, especially if we are children of the 70s, 80s or 90s. Sometimes it can seem like we can never forget that we should have done what our parents said, and now we have to pay the price every time we laugh or yawn. But we don’t.

Here at Leamington Spa Dental Practice in Leamington Spa, we can replace amalgam fillings with fillings made of tooth-coloured composite. This is a mixture of glass and plastic. It comes as a resin that we put into the cavity in layers, and then harden each layer with a UV light before doing the next.

What’s so great about white fillings?

OK, so white fillings look fantastic, but is there anything else to recommend them over amalgam? You bet there is.

Strength and durability

Over the few decades that white fillings have been available, dental researchers have been working to make them stronger. Fillings, especially ones at the sides and back of the mouth, take quite a lot of punishment with all that chewing and maybe even night-time tooth grinding, so they have to be resilient. They weren’t so long-lasting when they first became available, but now, it’s safe to say that white fillings are stronger and more durable than amalgam.

Get your chewing surfaces back

Run your tongue over your amalgam-filled back teeth and you will feel the tooth round the sides of a flat centre of amalgam. That’s because amalgam is a soft mixture that gets packed into the tooth cavity. We can pack the cavity tightly but we can’t recreate the lost parts of your tooth. We can with composite resin though. Once it has set hard, we can use tools to sculpt it to recreate the mounds and valleys of your lost chewing surfaces.

Why not come in and get your amalgam fillings replaced with white fillings?

Restore your smile with white fillings in Leamington Spa

White fillings are widely used in cosmetic dentistry to restore the form and function of decayed, chipped or cracked teeth. They are made of composite materials which offer strength and function at the same time.

At Leamington Spa Dental Practice, white fillings are our method of choice when it comes to tooth decay restoration. Unlike metal fillings that simply fill in the decay, white fillings frame the affected tooth and enable it to withstand the forces of biting and chewing.

White Fillings in Leamington SpaWhat should I expect?

Shortly before the treatment begins, your dentist will numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area in your mouth with a local anaesthetic. This way, you will feel no pain or discomfort during the procedure. Once the anaesthesia has settled in, the dentist will use a dental drill to remove all of the damaged and decayed parts of the tooth. They will then clean the tooth thoroughly.

After removing the decayed tooth portions, the white filling will be placed in layers to fill out the holes. Each layer will be hardened will a special light, to make sure that the material sets properly.

Who can have white fillings?

If you want to restore a decayed or damaged tooth and you do not want to use metal fillings, white fillings can provide you with an effective dental restoration, which looks and feels very natural. You will not have to worry about dark-coloured spots in your mouth, as the composite blends in with the rest of your teeth for a natural appearance.

Benefits of white fillings

Overall, white fillings are more natural-looking compared to metal fillings and can be colour-adjusted to fit the shade of your natural teeth. Moreover, white fillings require less preparation than metal fillings and less of the healthy tooth enamel will be removed during this process. Last but not least, white fillings are not as sensitive to extreme temperatures and do not shrink or expand because of temperature changes.

Contact us

If you want to learn more about white fillings and their benefits, please contact us today and we will book a consultation appointment for you.

Take care of your teeth and your look

Your teeth are a vital part of your life. They allow you to choose from the incredible range of foods in the world. They are instrumental in speaking clearly. They also form a central part of your look – your smile. With all that in mind, it’s worth looking after them so that they can continue to serve you for years to come.

All that being said, the world takes its toll on our bodies. Even if you have a good dental hygiene routine, it’s possible that one or two holes have started to appear in your teeth. Dental decay can be exacerbated by certain foods and drinks, lifestyle choices and problems with the alignment of your teeth. When you visit us at Leamington Spa Dental Practice, we will do an examination of your mouth to check whether your teeth need any attention.

White Fillings in Leamington SpaFillings in Leamington Spa – the basics

If you visit your dentist regularly, they can check for signs of cavities. Caught early enough, they may be able to be repaired without fillings.

If you do need a filling, the more you know about the process, the better prepared you will be. Fillings are one of the most basic dental treatments. They have been around for a long time.

In order to fit a filling, your dentist will drill away the area where you have decay. A filler material is then added to the appropriate spot to plug the hole and protect the tooth. This substance hardens quickly and becomes durable enough to withstand the rigours of everyday use.

Why white fillings in Leamington Spa?

You will have a choice when it comes to the filler material that is used for any fillings you need. Traditionally, a silver-coloured material, composed of mercury and other metals, are used. These are still common today and usually available on the NHS. They are called amalgam fillings. They are hard wearing but visible in the mouth. Some patients do not like these fillings being obvious when you open your mouth.

White fillings are also available. They are designed to blend in with your teeth and so they are actually more tooth-coloured. It used to be that white fillings were not quite as durable as amalgam fillings but there are materials available now that give comparable longevity.  Many patients now choose white fillings as a more aesthetically pleasing solution.