White fillings are a cosmetic dentistry alternative for aesthetic bonding procedures and are used to restore the function of teeth that have dental decay or have been damaged.
A filling can bring back the shape and appearance of a tooth that has been decayed. A dental filling fixes the harm that tooth decay or cracks do to teeth. It makes a decaying or previously filled tooth look more natural. Today’s dental fillings are tooth-coloured, blending in seamlessly with tooth enamel and having the ability to cling to the remaining tooth structure.
A composite material comprised of silica fillers and plastic resins is used to create tooth-coloured fillings. These materials closely resemble the wear resistance and translucency of natural tooth structure. Adding dental composite to teeth also strengthens them.
Traditional dental filling materials also referred to as silver fillings, are not necessarily the most visually acceptable choices for restoring your teeth’s functionality. Many patients prefer white fillings over silver fillings because they better match the natural color of your teeth and are less noticeable than silver fillings, which have been around for more than 20 years.
The most common fillings available now are composite ones. They are composed of composite resin and have a natural appearance. Composite fillings start soft and are hand-shaped while being filled. The composite is subsequently cured and hardened using a blue light. Composite fillings adhere nicely to tooth enamel and are incredibly durable.
In the past, amalgam fillings also referred to as silver fillings, were the most prevalent fillings. They have, however, lost popularity in recent years. Amalgam fillings are a mixture of metal alloys that have a dark color, have the potential to include amounts of mercury, and have a negative reputation. These silver fillings are frequently changed out for tooth-colored ones.
When a tooth has lost a significant amount of dental structure or is substantially filled, porcelain fillings are utilized to repair the tooth. When compared to composite white fillings, they are tougher and more resilient. They adhere to the tooth structure and are tooth-colored. For teeth with more than 60% of their tooth structure remaining, this approach is possible.
Sometimes the deep pits and cracks in our molar teeth make it difficult for the toothbrush bristles to clean the teeth, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that can lead to decay or cavities. Dental sealants called fissure seals are applied to the pits and fissures on teeth to act as a barrier against food particles, bacteria, and plaque.
A composite filling could require a little longer operation than regular fillings. The tooth needs to be kept completely isolated from saliva once the decay is removed. The tooth-coloured composite is then carefully applied in numerous thin layers by the dentist after the adhesive. A specific laser is used to chemically harden or cure the filling after it has been applied for less than a minute.