In years gone by, having a filling meant saying goodbye to a perfectly white smile. Today, things are very different and we can restore and protect your teeth without affecting the aesthetic of your smile. If you have old amalgam fillings or you need a filling, and you’d like to find out more about invisible fillings, this article should come in handy.

What are invisible fillings?

Invisible fillings, also known as white fillings, are aesthetically-pleasing alternatives to mercury amalgam fillings. White fillings are made from a combination of glass ionmers, dental composite and resins. The shade of composite is matched to the colour of your natural tooth to ensure a seamless finish. Once a white filling is in place, you won’t be able to notice the difference between the filling and the rest of the tooth.

Why would I need a filling?

We recommend fillings as a treatment for decay. When the surface of the tooth becomes weak as a result of acid erosion, holes, known as cavities, can form in the enamel. Filling cavities helps to reduce the risk of infection spreading throughout the tooth, and it also strengthens the tooth. We recommend white fillings because they create a natural aesthetic and they are safer and more environmentally-friendly than mercury fillings.

What happens when you have a filling?

The procedure to fill a tooth is relatively simple, and you won’t feel any pain because we will numb the tooth beforehand. Before the tooth is filled, the cavity will be cleaned and cleared out. This removes the decayed tissue. Bonding agent is then applied to the walls and basin of the cavity and the composite is then poured in. A curing light is used to set the composite and make it firm. When the filling has hardened, your dentist will trim it to ensure a perfect fit.

If you need a new filling or you’d like to find out more about replacing an old amalgam filling with a white filling, call and book an appointment today.