Introduction to Modern Filling Techniques

At Benhill Dental Practice, we have always believed that a smile is one of the most powerful tools in human interaction. Dental advancements have significantly enhanced how we can improve and maintain this vital asset. One of the most transformative developments is the advent of modern filling techniques, which have revolutionised the way we approach dental care.

The Evolution of Dental Fillings

Dental fillings have come a long way from their early incarnations. Historically, fillings were predominantly made from silver amalgam, a material known for its durability but not its aesthetic appeal. Today, however, we have a plethora of options that not only offer robustness but also blend seamlessly with the natural colour of teeth.

From Silver to White Fillings

One of the most striking transformations in dental technology is the shift from silver to white fillings. This transition has been driven by the desire for fillings that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. As dental practitioners, we understand the importance of providing patients with options that enhance their confidence and comfort.

Benefits of White Fillings

The move from silver to white fillings Sutton has brought numerous benefits to our practice and patients alike. White fillings, made from composite resins, match the natural shade of tooth enamel, making them virtually indistinguishable. This enhances the overall appearance of your teeth, allowing you to smile freely without concern.

Key Advantages

• Aesthetic Appeal: White fillings provide a natural appearance that boosts confidence.

• Durability: Modern composites offer strength comparable to silver amalgam.

• Minimally Invasive: These fillings require less removal of tooth structure.

The Process of Getting White Fillings

When you decide to transform your silver to white fillings Sutton, the process is straightforward and comfortable. It begins with a thorough examination to ensure this is the best option for your dental health. Once confirmed, we carefully remove the old silver filling, prepare the cavity, and apply the composite material layer by layer, curing it with a special light that hardens the resin.

Experience and Expertise

At Benhill Dental Practice, our extensive experience ensures that the procedure is smooth and efficient. We are committed to providing a comfortable environment where you can feel at ease throughout your treatment.

Looking Forward

The transformation of dental fillings from silver to white is just one example of how modern techniques are reshaping our approach to dental care. As technology continues to evolve, we are excited about the possibilities it presents for further improving the health and appearance of our patients’ smiles.

Commitment to Quality

At the heart of the practice is a dedication to delivering the highest standard of care. By embracing these advancements, we can offer treatments that are not only effective but also aligned with the aesthetic desires of our patients.

Embrace the Change

Modern filling techniques have indeed transformed the landscape of dental care, offering solutions that are both practical and visually appealing. By opting for silver to white fillings Sutton, you’re choosing a path towards a brighter, more confident smile. At Benhill Dental Practice, we are here to guide you on this journey, ensuring you receive the best care tailored to your unique needs.

 

In recent years, there’s been a significant shift from traditional silver to white fillings Sutton, a transformation of which we’re proud to be a part at Benhill Dental Practice. Contrary to the silver or amalgam fillings which are noticeable, white fillings are more aesthetically pleasing as they blend seamlessly with the natural tooth colour. But the appeal of white fillings extends beyond just aesthetics. They also offer an improved level of durability and are less likely to cause sensitivity to heat and cold. As a leading dental practice in Sutton, we are committed to staying on the modern edge of dental technology and are skilled in the art and science of replacing silver fillings with white ones. The process involves careful removal of the old filling and decay, followed by the application of a white filling that matches your tooth colour.

The Benefits of White Fillings

White fillings, also known as composite fillings, present numerous advantages which make them a preferred choice for many of our patients. Firstly, they are virtually invisible, preserving the natural appearance of your teeth and ensuring your smile stays as bright as ever. Secondly, they are more durable than their silver counterparts, providing long-lasting strength to your teeth. Furthermore, because they are bonded directly to the tooth, they provide additional support and prevent further decay. Lastly, they are made from a material that contracts and expands more similarly to natural teeth, reducing the risk of cracks or damage. We pride ourselves on offering white fillings that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also beneficial to the overall health of your teeth.

Our Process at Benhill Dental Practice

We believe in providing our patients with a comfortable and stress-free experience when transitioning from silver to white fillings Sutton. Our dedicated team of professionals begin with a detailed consultation to address any concerns and explain the process thoroughly. Using the latest technology, we carefully remove the old silver filling and any decay, before applying the white filling. This process is carried out with the utmost precision to ensure the filling fits perfectly and matches your natural tooth colour. After the procedure, we offer advice on maintaining your new white fillings, including oral hygiene and dietary guidelines. We take pride in our personalised approach, ensuring that each patient receives care tailored to their individual needs.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you visit our practice for the transition from silver to white fillings Sutton, your comfort is our top priority. The procedure begins with a detailed examination, followed by the careful removal of the old filling and any decay. We then apply the white filling, making sure it matches your natural tooth colour for a seamless finish. Post-procedure, our team offers essential care advice to maintain the longevity of your new fillings. We strive to provide an experience that is both relaxing and rewarding, ensuring you leave our practice with a healthier, brighter smile. We are dedicated to providing top dental care in a welcoming environment.

Why Choose Benhill Dental Practice?

Choosing us for your transition from silver to white fillings Sutton ensures you’re in experienced and caring hands. We’re a dedicated team with expertise in various aspects of dentistry, including the application of white fillings. We pride ourselves in offering comprehensive, personalised dental care. Our modern technology and comfortable, patient-focused environment sets us apart. We make it our mission to transform your visit into a positive experience, eradicating any dental anxiety you might have. Our commitment to quality and patient satisfaction has made us a trusted choice for dental care in Sutton. With our practice, you’re not just getting a dental procedure; you’re getting a team dedicated to your overall oral health.

Welcome to Benhill Dental Practice, your trusted provider for Silver to White Fillings Sutton. We are proud to be at the forefront of a revolution in dental care, offering a modern alternative to traditional silver fillings. Our white fillings are not only aesthetically pleasing, blending seamlessly with your natural teeth, but they also offer a safer and more durable solution. We understand that your smile is one of your most important assets, and we are committed to helping you maintain it in the best possible condition. With our Silver to White Fillings Sutton, we are taking a significant step towards a healthier, brighter smile for our patients. Join us in this dental revolution and experience the difference for yourself.

The Journey from Silver to White Fillings

The journey from silver to white fillings has been a significant one. Traditional silver or amalgam fillings have been used for decades, but they come with drawbacks. They are noticeable, can cause tooth discolouration, and there are concerns about the potential health risks associated with mercury exposure. At Benhill Dental Practice, we have embraced the shift towards white fillings. Our Silver to White Fillings Sutton service is a testament to our commitment to providing safer, more aesthetically pleasing dental solutions. White fillings, made from a composite resin, blend with your natural tooth colour, providing a more natural look. They are also free from mercury, making them a healthier choice. The journey from silver to white fillings is one we are proud to be a part of, leading the way in modern dental care.

Why Choose White Fillings at Benhill Dental Practice?

Choosing our Silver to White Fillings Sutton service is a decision to invest in your oral health and appearance. At Benhill Dental Practice, we use the latest techniques and high-quality materials to ensure your white fillings are durable, comfortable, and natural-looking. Our experienced team takes the time to understand your needs and expectations, providing personalised care at every step. We are dedicated to creating a positive and relaxing environment, making your visit as comfortable as possible. Our commitment to excellence in dental care, combined with our friendly and professional service, makes us the preferred choice for white fillings in Sutton. Experience the Benhill difference today with our Silver to White Fillings Sutton service.

The Process of Getting White Fillings at Benhill Dental Practice

At Benhill Dental Practice, we ensure the process of getting your Silver to White Fillings Sutton is smooth and comfortable. We begin with a thorough examination of your oral health, followed by a detailed discussion about your treatment options. Once you opt for white fillings, we prepare your tooth by removing the decay and cleaning the area. The white filling material is then carefully applied and shaped to match your tooth’s natural contours. A special light is used to harden the filling, ensuring it is securely bonded to your tooth. Our team takes great care to ensure the filling feels comfortable and looks natural. With our Silver to White Fillings Sutton service, we make the process of getting white fillings a stress-free experience.

Caring for Your White Fillings

Once you’ve received your Silver to White Fillings Sutton, caring for them is straightforward. Like your natural teeth, white fillings require regular brushing and flossing. We recommend using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Regular check-ups at Benhill Dental Practice are also essential to ensure your fillings and overall oral health are in top condition. Avoiding hard foods can prevent damage to your fillings, and reducing sugary foods and drinks can help prevent decay. With proper care, your white fillings can last for many years, providing you with a smile you can be proud of. Trust Benhill Dental Practice for your Silver to White Fillings Sutton, and let us help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

There are various factors that can affect the appearance of your teeth, and one of them seems to be the presence of silver amalgam fillings that have been used to repair your teeth following damage or tooth decay.

Many patients ask our dentist whether they can change their silver fillings to white ones. Silver fillings are made of a mixture of liquid mercury and metal alloy and are used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay. Silver fillings are very strong; they are a good choice for teeth that need to withstand a lot of force, such as molars. Visiting the dentist regularly and maintaining good oral hygiene can help silver fillings last between 10 to 15 years, and for many years amongst dentists and patients alike, these fillings were the preferred choice for treating decayed teeth.

White fillings, also known as composite fillings, consist of a composite resin, which is a tooth-coloured mixture filled with plastic and resin. The mixture is durable; therefore, unlike silver fillings, white fillings do not expand or contract; silver fillings do because of fluctuating temperatures inside your mouth, making your teeth more prone to damage.

Some studies show that the use of mercury may be hazardous to health. The advantage of white fillings is that they do not contain any mercury or metal. Silver fillings must be mechanically bonded to the teeth and require some teeth to be removed to hold the filling in place. An advantage of white fillings is that they are chemically bonded to the teeth and usually require fewer teeth to be removed.

If you have silver fillings, then you should consider changing to white fillings if your fillings have become damaged or if there are any signs of decay. Replacing fillings that are otherwise in good shape is not recommended since doing so could cause damage to your teeth, and in many cases, this is unnecessary; therefore, your silver fillings should remain. If your tooth has become decayed or damaged, then our dentist here at the Benhill Dental Practice can change your fillings from silver to white fillings Sutton.

A fundamental reason why many patients want to change from silver to white fillings Sutton is because of the unpleasant appearance of silver fillings. Silver fillings may be visible when you laugh or talk, and this can affect your confidence and the appearance of your smile, making you self-conscious about it, which can have a negative impact on other aspects of your life.

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth and find that it is affecting your life, then speak to us at Benhill Dental Practice and find out about converting from silver to white fillings Sutton. Book an appointment today and find out more about changing your silver fillings to white fillings here at Benhill Dental Practice in Sutton. Visit our website or give us a call, and we can make an informed decision on whether or not changing your fillings is a suitable course of action.

White fillings Sutton are composite dental fillings that are tooth-coloured so that they match the colour of your teeth. Over many years, a variety of materials have been used to fill dental cavities; these range from cork, aluminium, asbestos and even tin. More recently, a mixture of different metals such as mercury, silver, tin and copper called an amalgam is still used today. Of course, gold was very popular for a while, if you could afford it!

Natural-looking teeth now more in vogue

The advent of social media and devices such as the smartphone have brought about a culture change. It is now more acceptable to have straight, naturally white teeth than a variety of dental fillings of differing colours. White fillings Sutton allow you to produce a naturally white dental smile.

Prevention is always best

Of course, prevention of tooth decay is always your best defence, and your daily routine is vital to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Managing your diet is often seen only as a way of controlling your weight, but it’s much more than that. The type of food and drink that you consume affects your teeth, and it is extremely important to keep the sugar content that you consume down to a minimum.

Whatever you eat or drink, always remember to brush and floss your teeth regularly and attend those six-monthly dental appointments. If you have children, it is also important to help them understand the dental problems that can occur later in life if they consume sugary food and drinks and do not follow a proper dental hygiene regime. Bring them into our surgery with you when you have an appointment so that they can become familiar with our team and be relaxed. When their turn comes for an appointment, they will feel a lot more comfortable. Helping your children maintain dental health is one of the best gifts that you can give them.

What are the advantages

White fillings Sutton bond very naturally to your teeth and do not expand and contract due to the variations in temperature in your mouth. Some of the earlier fillings, such as mercury fillings, for example, had this problem.

White fillings can be colour matched to blend in with your natural teeth. The aperture required to fill your tooth is also far smaller than many other materials, which preserves the strength of your tooth. There has been mention of the health hazards of mercury fillings, but with white fillings, there is no risk at all of contamination from leakage. Because white fillings do not expand and contract with temperature fluctuations, you are less likely to experience sensitivity. White fillings are also very durable and will last a long time.

Can I replace my old fillings?

You can most definitely replace your old fillings with white fillings, and at Benhill Dental Practice, we can do a colour match so that the new fillings blend in well with your natural teeth. The procedure is quite safe, and we will remove the old fillings and any dental decay.

Are you fed up with seeing black fillings when you smile in photos?

When you come to Benhill Dental Practice, we can help! We can make the switch from silver to white fillings Sutton, allowing you to reap the benefits of composite over metal restoratives.

So, what are some of the benefits of switching from silver to white fillings Sutton?

Longevity

What is an advantage of switching from silver to white fillings Sutton? Well, for one thing, the result is more likely to last longer!

Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of different metals, which makes the final filling or crown durable under pressure, thus allowing you to bite and chew without issue. However, as is the way with all metals, amalgam can expand under hot temperatures and shrink back down when it gets cold, far from ideal if you regularly drink tea or enjoy iced water!

The result is that if you have an amalgam restorative, you are at a higher risk of needing it replaced more often, while also suffering the nasty side-effects that can come with a missing restorative, such as a toothache or abscess!

Composite does not react in such a way to changes in temperature, and thus provides a longer-lasting filling.

Aesthetic

There’s no easy way to say this; if you have a metal filling, it is likely to look black, blue or even green under certain lighting. Not exactly what you want to have when laughing or smiling for photos!

And while there is nothing wrong with this if the filling is placed on the back molars, it can cause issues with your smile if it is nearer to the front. One of the best things about having a white or composite filling fitted is that our team can match its colour perfectly to the surrounding tooth, meaning it is visually seamless. Should you need the filling to be placed on top of a molar, we can create all the nooks and crannies that are required to keep it looking realistic. And voila! A restored tooth that doesn’t draw attention or doesn’t appear discoloured!

Sensitivity

The enamel on your teeth is porous, hence why many people suffer from dental sensitivity. The holes in the enamel become elongated or exposed due to diet or abrasion, making it feel uncomfortable when you consume hot or cold drinks.

While amalgam or silver fillings aim to resolve this somewhat, when compared to the structure of composite, they are also quite porous. And so, if you have a deep filling or crown that is made from amalgam, silver or another metal, it is more likely to create new sensitivity issues.

If you notice sensitivity in one of your teeth that has a silver filling, please talk to our team about having it replaced with composite.

Drilling

When fitting a metal filling, our team will usually have to remove more of the healthy tooth around the decay. Why?

Because the metal or amalgam doesn’t bond to the tooth as well as the composite material does, meaning that we have to make the hole larger. But this in turn means that there is a higher chance of the filling falling out when exposed to pressure, not to mention the issues that it can cause with sensitivity.

Were you a child of the 70s or 80s? Or even the early 90s?

If you were, chances are that when you visited your dentist for a check-up and needed a filling, you were given an amalgam one. While effective at preserving the tooth, these black/green fillings were far from visually pleasing and could often cause insecurities when many people laughed or smiled.

And, a metal-based filling is not without its own functional issues, too many people would lose these filings as, due to drinking hot tea, the filling would expand, crack the tooth and then shrink as the temperature dropped. And so, they were easy to displace.

Fast-forward to 2021, and many dental surgeries are now phasing out amalgam fillings for more lifestyle-friendly alternatives.

When you come to Benhill Dental Practice, if you require a filling of any size (or even a crown), we will provide you with white fillings Sutton. Made from either a composite material or porcelain, these fillings offer a more aesthetically pleasing variation to amalgam and are also less likely to come loose.

But why else are we opting to use white fillings Sutton over metal ones? Read on to find out!

Aesthetics

OK, so we have already spoken about the cosmetic advantages of white fillings Sutton, but we figured we could talk a bit more!

Our team can perfectly colour match either the composite or the porcelain to the rest of the tooth that the filling is in, making them completely undetectable to the naked eye and therefore far more aesthetically pleasing.

Durability

Don’t let the materials fool you! Yes, metal is usually stronger than porcelain, but in your mouth a porcelain filling is extraordinarily tough and can last for triple the time!

And we aren’t just talking about being able to handle the daily wear and tear of chewing – if you grind your teeth when you sleep, if you have a composite filling or crown, there is no need to worry about it coming loose or cracking.

Bonding

Metal fillings rarely bonded well to teeth, once again putting them at a higher risk of falling out with daily use.

However, as composite is a resin that requires curing with a UV lamp to harden, it bonds better to the tooth. This protects against the tooth falling out and also stops the root or the pulp from becoming accidentally exposed.

Expansion or lack of

A composite or porcelain filling is not able to expand or contract in the way that metal ones do, and so, no damage occurs to the surrounding tooth parts once they are fitted.

This means that there is also a lower chance of the decay spreading due to cracks in the enamel.

Versatile

Of course, you may need a composite or porcelain filling for restorative purposes besides decay. If you have cracked or chipped a tooth playing football or in daily life, we will repair the damage with one of these materials, restoring your tooth to its former glory. What more could you want?

White fillings are essentially a more discreet form of traditional metal amalgam filling, and they have risen dramatically in popularity due to their subtle appearance. White fillings in Sutton are made from a composite material, which is a mixture of glass and tooth coloured resin, and can be used to deal with decayed, fragmented, or broken teeth within the mouth.

How do white fillings work?

In terms of the way in which they work, enamel and dentine bonding techniques are used to restore the aesthetic appearance, and physical function of teeth within the mouth. Both types of fillings work in the same way, by moulding to the hole in the tooth and restoring its dental health and function rapidly. White fillings could be considered as more complicated to administer than traditional metal fillings, and can take roughly fifteen to thirty minutes to place within the mouth.

Why may I choose to receive white fillings in Sutton?

Individuals who may lean more towards receiving white fillings at our dental clinic may be suffering from a cavity or even several cavities which need rectifying. Cavities for many patients can be extremely common, and are caused by bacteria which breaks down the patient’s tooth matter. Despite the frequency with which cavities occur, it is important for your oral health to receive a filling, in order to prevent the further decay of the surrounding teeth. Patients may lean more towards white composite fillings rather than traditional metal fillings due to the lack of mercury within the material, which has rumoured links to possible health concerns.

Why choose us to receive your white fillings?

Patients may choose our dental clinic to receive their white fillings in Sutton for many reasons, one of which being our excellent standard of dental care we offer. Our dental clinic has been providing patients with dental care for over eighty years, we are unique in the way that we offer our patients the choice of both private and National Health Service dentistry. We believe our friendly and professional approach to dental care ensures our patients feel at ease when receiving dental care at our clinic (even those who may be suffering from dental anxiety, or dental phobia).

What is dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety (also commonly known as a dental phobia) can be sprung by unwanted childhood dental memories. It is important to remember that if you are suffering from anxiety within a dental or orthodontic environment, that you are not alone.

How much do white fillings cost?

The cost of a patient’s filling treatment may depend greatly on the number of cavities within the patient’s mouth.

Are white fillings available under the National Health Service?

At our dental clinic within Sutton we are frequently asked about the costing of cosmetic dentistry (such as white fillings) and whether they are accessible on the National Health Service. White fillings are considered to be cosmetic due to their aesthetically pleasing physical appearance, and are unfortunately therefore only available at our clinic under private dental fees.

Have you got several fillings that you’ve had for a number of years? The chances are that these fillings are probably the old amalgam or metal fillings. These fillings did the job well, they are long lasting and strong but perhaps now you feel self-conscious when you open your mouth or smile, because there is a distinct glint of silver in your mouth. But don’t worry, there is a solution!

What’s the alternative?

Now, with modern dental techniques, you can say goodbye to those old-fashioned metal fillings and have white (also known as tooth coloured or composite) fillings instead. Here at the Benhill Dental Practice we are experienced in cosmetic dentistry and know that silver to white fillings in Sutton are the perfect choice for anyone who wants to improve their smile. These fillings are designed to match the tooth so that the filling is virtually invisible. As a result you will have a much more natural smile and can feel more confident.

How is it done?

First of all, your dentist will discuss the options of changing from silver to white fillings in Sutton with you. When the treatment is being done, the dentist will first of all remove the old amalgam (metal) fillings and any decaying parts of the tooth to leave a clear space for the new filling. Then he will put in the new white filling. The material used to make the filling is extremely strong and durable and is designed to withstand the many years of biting and chewing that are ahead. You can feel confident that the filling won’t break or drop out if you’re eating something crunchy!

Will it hurt?

No, absolutely not. Your dentist will make sure that the area being treated is fully numbed with a local anaesthetic before treatment begins. Once you are sure that you can’t feel anything the dentist will begin the silver to white filling procedure. All you need to do is relax and look forward to an improved, whiter smile! If you are nervous about the treatment please speak to us in advance. At the Benhill Dental Practice we have a lot of experience in helping nervous or anxious patients and will do our best to put you at ease so that the treatment is as stress free as possible for you.

What are fillings made from?

Amalgam fillings consist of metals such as silver, tin, copper and mercury. They are perfectly safe as the mercury is bound in with other metals, making it much more stable and therefore 100% safe. White or composite fillings are made from ceramic and plastic. They are still durable and will last as long as amalgam fillings, so once they are done you won’t need to keep having them replaced every few years.

Is tooth decay a big problem?

Yes it is. Even though modern dentistry has improved over the years, particularly in educating the public about dental health and how they can prevent decay and tooth loss, it’s a fact that 92% of adults aged between 20 and 64 have fillings. This is quite a shocking statistic. And children are especially vulnerable to tooth decay. If you are worried, then speak to a dentist about it.

The trouble with fillings is that we get most of our tooth decay when we are kids. This is because we have not yet mastered the art of toothbrushing and getting into all those corners round the back teeth. It’s also because we haven’t mastered the discipline to stand at the bathroom sink for 2 minutes twice a day.

Goodness knows, it’s hard enough as an adult, let alone as a 6-year-old in a world of far more exciting things to do.

So, it’s not unusual to need a filling almost every time we go to the dentist, especially if we can’t resist a sugary snack, and which child can?

This means that by the time we are adults, most of us have quite a collection of dark, glinting amalgam fillings in our mouths, and every time we laugh or yawn, there they are, for everyone to see.

Do you really want everyone to know how many fillings you’ve got? You don’t have to, if you get white fillings instead.

Replace amalgam fillings

One way people upgrade their smile is to have all their old amalgam fillings removed and replaced with white fillings. At Benhill Dental Practice in Sutton, we do this with a great deal of care, so that you don’t accidentally swallow any of the old fillings. Amalgam contains mercury, which is toxic, so we are very careful to remove every last bit before we refill the cavity with white fillings made of composite resin.

This is mixture of glass and plastic. White fillings have got stronger and stronger in the decades since they first became available and are now as strong, if not stronger than amalgam.

They also have the advantage of being able to be sculpted. This means that when you have a white filling put in, we can shape it so that you get the chewing surface of your tooth back. This is not possible with amalgam, which lies flat within the walls of the tooth.

We can replace all your fillings in a few appointments, or we can do them one at a time as each amalgam filling wears out.

Come in and have a chat about it.