White Fillings
White fillings can be used on teeth that are decayed, cracked, or stained. Silver or amalgam fillings in back teeth can often look obvious an unsightly whilst white fillings blend so well with the surrounding tooth you will be unable to tell tooth from filling. The other advantage to choosing white fillings is that they require less tooth removal than silver fillings and are obviously metal free. They may not be suitable for extremely large cavities. This is an excellent cosmetic option for those patients who do not want the look of silver in their mouths.
Procedure
The bonding procedure is usually completed in one visit. The first step is to remove the decayed or unsightly portion of the tooth. The tooth is then etched with a liquid or gel and a bonding agent is then applied. This will allow the white fillings to be placed in the prepared tooth. The fillings is then trimmed and polished, leaving you with a beautifully sculpted, natural-looking restoration.
Durability
Although white fillings are cosmetically pleasing and easily placed, their durability may not be as strong as other types of restorations. These fillings typically last from 4-7 years before they begin to chip and wear away. When this happens, the restoration will need to be replaced.