White fillings have always been considered less long-lasting than silver fillings. But, there are now new materials available that are comparable to silver fillings and these are proving to be very successful for our patients at Benhill Dental Practice in Sutton. The life expectancy of a white filling can depend greatly on where it is in your mouth and how heavily your teeth come together when you bite. Your dental team in Sutton can advise you on how long your fillings should last.

Advantages of white fillings

Since they bond to the tooth, white fillings restore most of the original strength of the tooth. Silver weakens the teeth, making them more vulnerable to breaking. Since broken teeth are very expensive to restore, white fillings can save a lot of expense in the long term.

Teeth restored with white fillings are less sensitive to hot and cold than teeth restored with silver fillings when the correct techniques are used, like those we use at Benhill Dental Practice.

White fillings are mercury-free. Mercury in traditional silver fillings, is viewed by some as being toxic.

White fillings also require less removal of tooth structure. Especially with new cavities, the size of the hole made for the filling can be dramatically smaller with white fillings.

What are white fillings made of?

White fillings are made of ceramic and plastic compounds. Because resins mimic the appearance of natural teeth, these fillings have been used in front teeth for many years. When they first were used, resin compounds weren’t strong enough to be used in back teeth. This is because high-pressure grinding and chewing require greater durability.

In the past 10 years, technology has improved enough to allow the use of resin material in your back teeth.

Are white fillings right for me?

Deciding which type of filling to use is best made by you and your dentist at Benhill Dental Practice. They will consider the size and location of the cavity, patient history, cosmetic concerns and the cost. Your dentist in Sutton will discuss all the choices available for dental fillings and help you decide which filling is right for you.