White Fillings

Restoring Smiles with Innova Dental 

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What to Expect from White Fillings

White (tooth-coloured) fillings are an alternative to traditional amalgam fillings. They are made from a composite resin material that can be matched to the natural colour of teeth. Because they can be bonded directly to the tooth surface, in some cases less tooth preparation may be required compared to amalgam fillings.

Your dentist can explain whether a white filling is suitable for your tooth and discuss the materials available. Like all dental treatments, the longevity of a filling varies depending on factors such as the size of the filling, oral hygiene habits, and diet. Regular dental check-ups can help monitor the condition of any filling over time.

What to Expect from White Fillings

White fillings are a treatment option that may be used in a range of situations, such as restoring teeth affected by decay, repairing minor chips or cracks, or replacing older fillings. Suitability depends on the condition of the tooth, the size of the filling required, and other individual factors. Your dentist can advise whether a white filling is an appropriate option for your needs.

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Dental Cavities

White fillings provide a possible solution for filling cavities and restoring decayed teeth.

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Chipped Teeth

Composite fillings can repair minor chips and cracks in teeth, restoring their strength and appearance.

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Worn Tooth Enamel

White fillings can build up and reinforce worn tooth enamel, helps to protect against further damage and sensitivity.

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Cosmetic Imperfections

Composite fillings can reshape teeth to improve their proportion and symmetry.

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Small Gaps between Teeth

White fillings can fill in small gaps between teeth, creating a more uniform and helps in giving a pleasing smile.

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Tooth Discoloration

Composite fillings can cover discolored areas of the tooth, helps to support bright teeth.

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Sensitive Teeth

White fillings can provide insulation and protection for sensitive teeth, reducing discomfort and improving oral health.

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Preventive Sealants

Composite fillings can be used as preventive sealants to protect vulnerable areas of the teeth from decay and damage.

Why White Fillings Shine: Their Benefits

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White fillings give a natural like tooth colour appearance, providing a pleasing result compared to silver amalgam fillings. This makes them an ideal choice for filling cavities in visible areas of the mouth, such as the front teeth.

Composite resin fillings may require less invasive preparation, allowing for more detailed treatment of dental cavities. This means less removal of healthy tooth structure, resulting in a smaller filling and a stronger tooth overall.

Composite resin fillings can be used to repair  dental issues, including filling cavities, repairing chipped or cracked teeth, and even reshaping teeth for cosmetic purposes. Their versatility makes them a suitable option for various dental restorations.

White fillings bond directly to the tooth surface, creating a strong and durable seal that helps prevent further decay and damage.

Unlike silver amalgam fillings, white fillings do not contain mercury, alleviating concerns about potential mercury exposure and toxicity. This makes them a optimal choice for both patients and the environment.

White Fillings Procedure at Innova Dental

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White (tooth-coloured) fillings are made from a composite resin material designed to match the colour of natural teeth. They can be used as an alternative to amalgam fillings in some cases. Unlike amalgam, they do not contain mercury.

In some situations, white fillings may allow for a more conservative preparation of the tooth structure. Suitability depends on the location of the filling, the size of the cavity, and other individual factors. Your dentist can discuss which filling materials may be appropriate for your needs.

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In paediatric dentistry, white (tooth-coloured) fillings may be used to restore teeth affected by decay. They are made from a composite resin material that can be matched to the colour of the natural tooth. Unlike amalgam fillings, they do not contain mercury.

White fillings can sometimes be used as an alternative for treating cavities or replacing older restorations. The choice of filling material depends on factors such as the size and location of the cavity, as well as the individual needs of the patient. Your dentist can explain the available options and recommend an approach suited to your child’s oral health.

White Fillings vs. Amalgam Fillings: Choosing the Suitable Restoration

When it comes to dental restorations, patients often have a choice between white fillings (composite resin) and amalgam fillings (metal). Each type of filling has its own set of benefits and considerations. Let's see into the key differences between white and amalgam fillings:

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Appearance

 

  • White Fillings: They are designed to match the natural shade of teeth, which may make them less noticeable than silver-coloured fillings.
  • Amalgam Fillings: These are silver in color and more noticeable, making them less appealing, especially for visible teeth.
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Tooth Preservation

 

  • White Fillings: Require minimal removal of healthy tooth structure during preparation, helps to support to look more like natural teeth.
  • Amalgam Fillings: Often necessitate more tooth preparation, resulting in removal of healthy tooth material.
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Durability Factors

 

  • White Fillings: They are bonded directly to the tooth structure, in some cases this may help support the tooth and affect how long the filling lasts. The longevity of any filling depends on factors such as its size, the location in the mouth, and individual oral care habits. 
  • Amalgam Fillings: are made from a mixture of metals, which can expand and contract in response to temperature changes. This property may have implications for the surrounding tooth structure over time. 
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Biocompatibility

 

  • White Fillings: Contain no mercury or other metals, making them a safe and biocompatible option for patients concerned about health risks.

  • Amalgam Fillings: Contain mercury, which has raised concerns among some patients about potential health risks associated with mercury exposure.

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Sensitivity Factor

 

  • White Fillings: Are less conductive to heat and cold than amalgam fillings, reducing the risk of post-operative sensitivity.

  • Amalgam Fillings: Can conduct temperature changes more readily, causing increased sensitivity in some patients.
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Treatment Time


  • White Fillings: Can often be placed in a single dental visit, as they require minimal curing time.

  • Amalgam Fillings: May require longer treatment times, as the material needs time to set and harden properly.

 

Types Of Dental Fillings

Understanding the different types of dental fillings helps the patients to make informed decisions based on factors such as durability, aesthetics, and oral health considerations. Your dentist will recommend the most suitable filling material based on your individual needs and the condition of your teeth.

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Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings, often referred to as silver fillings, have been used for decades. They consist of a mixture of metals, including silver, copper, tin, and mercury. While they are durable, concerns have been raised about mercury exposure and the release of mercury vapour over time.

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Composite Resin Fillings

Composite resin fillings, also known as white fillings, are made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles. They are tooth-coloured, making them aesthetically pleasing and suitable for visible teeth. Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, helps to preserve and provide natural tooth structure, and are often preferred for small to medium-sized cavities.

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Gold Fillings

Gold fillings, although less commonly used today, are durable and long-lasting. They are composed of a gold alloy and are well-tolerated by gum tissues. However, their cost and conspicuous appearance make them less popular than other options.

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Porcelain Fillings

Porcelain fillings, also known as ceramic fillings, are custom-made and then bonded to the tooth. They closely resemble natural tooth enamel in appearance and are resistant to staining. Porcelain fillings are used for larger restorations and in areas with heavy chewing forces.

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Glass Ionomer Cement Fillings

Glass ionomer cement fillings are made from a mixture of glass and organic acids. They release fluoride, which helps prevent further decay and helps to strengthen the surrounding tooth structure. While not as durable as other types of fillings, they are commonly used for children's primary teeth and temporary fillings.

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Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are thin layers of composite resin applied to the front surface of the teeth to improve or repair minor imperfections. They are an alternative to porcelain veneers and can be customised to match the natural colour and shape of the teeth.

Processes of White Fillings 

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Comprehensive Examination

The process of white fillings begins with an initial examination to evaluate the extent of tooth decay or damage. Assessment helps to understand if a white filling is suitable for the restoration, considering the size and location of the cavity, as well as the patient's oral health history.

 
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Preparation

Once the decision is made to proceed with a white filling, the affected tooth is prepared by removing the decayed or damaged portion. This process preserves as much sound tooth structure as possible.

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Material Selection

White fillings, also known as composite resin fillings, are made from a tooth-coloured material that blends with natural tooth enamel. The appropriate shade of composite resin is selected to match the patient's tooth colour, which helps for a discreet and pleasing restoration.

 
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Application and Sculpting

 The composite resin material is applied to the prepared tooth in layers and carefully shaped to restore its original form and function. Special dental instruments and techniques are used to sculpt the filling and achieve a smooth, natural-looking surface that appears as the surrounding teeth.

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Curing Process

Once the filling is shaped to perfection, a curing light is used to harden and bond the composite resin to the tooth structure. This curing process gives a durable restoration that can withstand the forces of biting and chewing.

 
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Finishing Touches

The restored tooth is polished to a possible smooth finish, helps its appearance and preventing plaque buildup. Patients can enjoy the benefits of a white filling that restores both function and appearance to their smile.

 

Cost and Insurance For Invisalign

Curious about the investment in your new smile? We provide transparent information on the cost of Invisalign treatment and offer financing options to make achieving your dream smile a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore common queries about White Fillings. 

The lifespan of white fillings can vary depending on factors such as the size and location of the filling, as well as your oral hygiene habits. With proper care and maintenance, white fillings may last for many years, typically 5-10 years or more.

A common concern is whether white fillings will blend seamlessly with the natural color of the teeth, especially for fillings in visible areas.

You can rest assure that white fillings come in different shades of white and we have them all here at Innova Dental. Your dentist will suggest the shade of your tooth on the day of treatment and find the best shade that matches.

Patients with existing silver fillings may get whether they can opt for white fillings as replacements and whether there are any additional considerations for this procedure.

Whilst we do not believe every silver filling needs to be replaced, we do offer replacements if you are conscious of or concerned about the dark appearance that silver fillings give

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Need help?

launceston@innovadental.com.au0363316754

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Business Hours

Mon – Thu 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Fri 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

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Our Address

97 Bathurst Street,
Launceston TAS 7250

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