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:
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.