White Fillings For Aesthetically Pleasing Results In Alwoodley, Leeds
A Complete Guide To White Fillings At Nursery Lane Dental: Natural Looking Solutions To Broken And Misshapen Teeth
When it comes to restoring damaged teeth, white fillings have revolutionised dental care. They offer a virtually invisible filling solution that blends seamlessly with your natural smile. At Nursery Lane Dental in Alwoodley, Leeds, we specialise in high-quality white fillings crafted from composite resin. These fillings restore function and provide aesthetic results our patients love.
Understanding White Fillings - The Modern Solution To Tooth Decay
White fillings, also known as composite fillings, represent the gold standard in modern restorative dentistry. Made from durable composite resin materials—a sophisticated blend of plastic and glass particles—these restorations are the preferred choice for patients concerned about both oral health and appearance.
Why Patients Choose White Fillings Rather Than Traditional Options
White fillings are becoming more popular for several reasons:
– They look great: Our composite resin fillings are virtually invisible, as they are matched to your natural tooth colour
– Preserves More Tooth Structure: Unlike metal fillings, white fillings bond directly to your tooth, requiring less drilling
– Mercury-Free: Composite resin contains no potentially harmful metals
– Strengthens Teeth: The bonding process with white fillings can actually reinforce your tooth structure. This is different to traditional metal fillings, which can make teeth more likely to crack
– Temperature Stable: Composite resin fillings don’t expand or contract with temperature changes like metal alternatives
The White Fillings Procedure At Nursery Lane Dental
Having a white filling placed is a straightforward procedure that typically takes just one appointment:
– Assessment and Preparation: Your dentist will thoroughly examine the affected tooth, remove any decay, and clean the area
– Custom Colour Matching: We carefully select the perfect shade of composite resin to make sure the filling blends in with your natural teeth
– Application Process: The white filling material is applied in precise layers
– Curing and Hardening: Each layer is hardened using a special light that activates the composite resin
– Shaping and Polishing: Your dentist artfully shapes the white filling to restore your tooth’s natural contours and ensure proper bite alignment. In some cases, to get a really good result for a front tooth, your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment a short time after the filling is placed. At this short apointment, your dentist will give the filling a final polish to get a really natural result
White Fillings Vs Inlays/Onlays, Understanding The Options
For more extensive damage, your dentist might recommend porcelain Inlays or Onlays instead of standard white fillings:
– Standard White Fillings: Perfect for smaller areas of decay, applied directly in one visit
– Inlays: Custom-made in a laboratory to fit precisely within the cusp tips of your tooth
– Onlays: Similar to inlays but cover one or more cusps when damage is more extensive
Inlays and Onlays tend to be stronger than white fillings. Both options offer excellent alternatives to traditional crowns when you need something more substantial to protect your tooth
Caring For White Fillings To Ensure Longevity
With proper care, your white fillings can last many years:
– Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly
– Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit Nursery Lane Dental every six months for professional cleaning
– Avoid Excessive Pressure: In some cases, your dentist may recommend you to try not to chew extremely hard foods directly on a white filling
– Protect Your Investment: Consider a nightguard if you grind your teeth
– Watch for Stains: Minimising consumption of highly pigmented food and drinks helps maintain the shade of your white fillings. Intermittent polishing by your dentist can also be helpful
FAQs About White Fillings
Are white fillings as strong as metal fillings?
The technology that goes into white fillings has improved dramatically over time. With proper care, white fillings made from quality composite resin can typically last 5-10 years, sometimes even longer.
Are white fillings available on the NHS?
White fillings are available on the NHS where clinically needed, particularly if the filling is needed at the front of the mouth and will be highly visible
Are white fillings more expensive than metal fillings?
White fillings typically cost slightly more than metal alternatives. This is because they have to be placed in layers, and extra care must be taken to keep the area dry while they are being placed. However, many patients feel the aesthetic benefits of aesthetic fillings justify the difference.