Fillings are commonly used to strengthen decayed teeth. With the latest tooth-coloured materials, we are able to restore the teeth without impacting the aesthetics of your beautiful smile.
About tooth-coloured fillings
In the past, patients with cavities were given silver amalgam fillings, which are strong and durable, yet highly visible. Mercury fillings have been used for many years and they are still approved for use in the UK, but some patients have concerns about the safety and environmental impact of these fillings and teamed with the many benefits of tooth-coloured fillings, white fillings have become a much more popular option.
There have been major advances in materials and modern, tooth-coloured materials are very strong and hard-wearing, so you can now have a white filling in a back tooth. Tooth-coloured fillings are also completely invisible when you smile, so treatment will have absolutely no bearing on the look of your smile.
Why would I need a filling?
If you have a cavity or your tooth is damaged, you may be advised to have a filling. Fillings help to make the tooth stronger, so that you are able to eat properly and prevent the spread of infection, to save you from suffering from pain and sensitivity. Dental composite, which is used for fillings, can also be utilised to patch up worn and chipped teeth in a process called cosmetic or composite bonding.
Replacing mercury amalgam fillings
We see many patients who wish to replace their existing mercury amalgam fillings with new white fillings. In this case, we remove the old filling, clean the cavity and then re-fill it using tooth-coloured material.
Dr Gerrard is a Bristol based Cosmetic dentist with many years of experience and is one of only a small number of dentists accredited by The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
