White Fillings
Composites
In the past, teeth were most commonly repaired with amalgam (silver) fillings or gold restorations. Although gold is the most durable and stable material for fillings, it is not always aesthetic and amalgam fillings can be unsightly.
Furthermore amalgam tends to discolour your teeth over time.Thanks to advances in modern dental materials and techniques, teeth can now be restored to a more aesthetic and natural appearance. There are different types of cosmetic fillings currently available. The type used will depend on the location of the tooth and the amount of tooth structure that needs to be repaired. They can have some limitations depending on their position in the mouth which may influence their longevity.
‘Tooth coloured” fillings are known as ‘composite' fillings and are made from a putty like resin material that can be molded to the shape of the tooth and then hardened using a blue light. These are currently the most cosmetic dental procedure.
Unlike silver (amalgam) fillings, white filling material sticks to teeth and can rebuild edges, so it may effectively be used to repair front teeth that are chipped, broken, decayed or worn. It can sometimes be used to veneer over dis-colouration that cleaning won't remove.
Porcelain Inlays and Onlays
A porcelain inlay or onlay is a filling usually made in a dental laboratory. Your dentist prepares the tooth and then takes an impression. A temporary filling is then placed into the tooth .
An inlay constructed from porcelain is strong and very natural looking. Inlays should last longer than composites and are recommended for larger cavities where normal fillings would not be strong enough.
