Why should I consider white fillings?
Nowadays fillings are not only functional, but can be natural looking as well. Many people don’t want silver fillings that show when they laugh or smile because they are more conscious about they way they look. As time passes, amalgam fillings can make the surrounding tooth appear grey and unsightly. Old, ugly, or worn out fillings are replaced by modern, tooth coloured filling materials, which give a high aesthetic result. The restorations are bonded to the tooth, feel very natural and colour-matched to the surrounding tooth, making them appear almost invisible.
Are they as good as silver fillings?
White fillings have always been considered less long lasting than silver fillings. But there are now new materials available with properties comparable to silver amalgam, and these are proving to be very successful. 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.
Is it worth replacing my amalgam fillings with white ones?
It is usually best to change fillings only when your dentist decides that an old filling needs replacing. If so you can ask to have it replaced with a tooth-coloured material.
What are tooth-coloured fillings made of?
This can vary, but they are mainly made of glass particles, synthetic resin and a setting ingredient.