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White Fillings
Composite fillings are non-toxic
more aesthetic and resistant
to fracture.

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Also known as composites, white fillings are designed to match the color of your teeth. They can be used to restore a decayed tooth or repair a defect. Although they are often used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important, they may also be used on a back tooth when the restoration is small or may be visible.

How are white fillings done?
Like silver fillings, composites can be prepared and placed in one visit. After the decayed portion of the tooth is removed, your cosmetic dentist will use a very mild acid solution to "etch" the tooth surface. A bonding agent is brushed onto the prepared tooth, followed by several thin layers of the tooth-colored composite. Once the composite filling is placed, the material is chemically hardened, or cured, with a special light, and polished.

Science Versus Emotion in Dental Filling Debate:
Who Should Choose What Goes in Your Mouth?
American Dental Association News Release, July 2024

There are many reasons why most dental patients choose white fillings over the traditional metal fillings. The mercury in amalgam fillings is viewed as potentially toxic, and many patients feel that the white composite fillings represent a more advanced technology. Composite fillings are also more aesthetic and resistant to fracture.

Here are a few more reasons that most dental patients choose white fillings over metal:

  • Since they bond to the tooth, composite fillings restore most of the original strength of the tooth. Silver fillings weaken the teeth, making them more susceptible to breaking. Since broken teeth are very expensive to restore, composites can save a lot of expense over the long run.
  • Composite fillings restore the natural appearance of the tooth.
  • Teeth restored with white fillings are less sensitive to hot and cold than teeth restored with amalgam.
  • Composites are mercury-free fillings. Mercury in the fillings is viewed by some as being toxic.
  • Composites require less removal of tooth structure. Especially with new cavities, the size of the hole made for the filling can be dramatically smaller with composites.

If you have a growing cavity or wish to fix a tooth defect, white fillings may be right for you. You can also replace old metal fillings with the simpler, more attractive white fillings.