White fillings are now used instead of metallic amalgam
At SmileOne Dental we no longer place mercury containing amalgam fillings. These fillings have been used for many years, but their use has more recently raised environmental concerns. We believe that advances in technology mean that modern, white fillings offer our patients many benefits:
- Conserve more of your natural tooth
- Can increase the strength of your tooth
- Offer a very natural, highly aesthetic result
- Better for the environment
- Safe compared to mercury fillings
Can I replace my old metallic amalgam filling with white fillings?
Yes. If you have been thinking about wanting to replace your old amalgam fillings with more aesthetically, desirable white fillings please speak us at your next dental examination.
If you are suffering from tooth decay and your dentist has advised that you have a filling, you can ask for a white filling to be used instead of a metallic amalgam.
Treatment price: £62.10 (Band 2) on the NHS, or privately from £95.
Treatment time: 30 minutes - 1 hour.
Aside from bringing back a natural looking smile, there are many other benefits that white fillings have over their counterparts.
- Resemble the colour of existing teeth
- Durable
- Mercury free
Why should I consider white fillings?
If you are suffering from tooth decay and your dentist has advised that you have a filling, you can ask for a white filling to be used instead of a metallic amalgam. You may decide to do this especially if your amalgam filling will be visible when you smile or laugh and you feel self-conscious.
How do white fillings work?
Composite resins are now far more advanced than they once were, making them a viable, long-lasting alternative to traditional amalgam (metallic) fillings.
Once your tooth is prepared, your dentist will apply the white filling which will bond to your tooth enamel. It is not simply ‘plugged in’ as it would have been several years ago; the bonding ensures that the resin will remain firmly in place.
How long will my appointment take?
A typical appointment for a filling will take between 30 minutes to 1 hour, including time for you to be examined and numbed with local anaesthetic.
Tooth decay is often spotted during routine examinations, and if your dentist decides that a filling is necessary it might be possible to carry out this work during the same appointment if there is time. Otherwise you will need to arrange a further appointment.
How do I prevent future fillings?
We encourage all patients to have regular examinations combined with good oral hygiene at home to prevent tooth decay and the need for an unnecessary filling.
Interested in booking a dental exam?
If you are interested in booking a dental exam and/or finding our more about white fillings please contact our friendly team.
