Blog

Fed Up with Your Old Amalgam Fillings? Why Not Ask about White Fillings?

Many of our patients here at Leeds City Dentalcare still have older style amalgam fillings, and while there’s nothing wrong with this material as it is perfectly functional and very cost effective, it doesn’t always look so good. One of the problems with amalgam is that it is quite a dark silver colour and it can create darker areas in the mouth making it obvious that you have had some teeth filled. We certainly don’t suggest that patients have fillings replaced purely for the sake of it, but fillings don’t last forever and amalgam is no exception. Eventually the edges of your amalgam fillings will begin to crumble and leak, and this is your cue to get them replaced before they allow bacteria to enter the tooth, increasing the risk of decay. At this stage it could well be worth your while considering more modern and cosmetically pleasing composite resin white fillings in Leeds.

Advantages of Choosing White Fillings

In the past you would probably have been recommended to have amalgam fillings to replace larger areas of decay in your back teeth. This was entirely the right decision as composite used to be quite a fragile material that would’ve been unable to withstand the pressure of chewing and biting on foods and was only really suitable for using in the front of the mouth or in other areas that were highly visible. However modern materials are designed to be much stronger, and can be extremely good for the health of your teeth. Composite fillings only require the minimum amount of tooth material to be removed, and unlike amalgam will not expand and contract when exposed to hot or cold foods. This is a huge advantage as this expansion and contraction has the potential to eventually cause small fractures in your teeth.

In addition composite fillings can be closely matched to your natural tooth colour, and can look incredibly natural as the dentist at Leeds City Dentalcare can construct your filling using several different colours to get the exact shade. When the time comes, it’s surprising what a difference it can make to have older style amalgam fillings replaced as it’s a great way to brighten up your smile.

Mini Makeovers Using Teeth Whitening with White Fillings

If you’re generally happy with the appearance of your teeth but simply want to refresh your looks then a cost-effective way of doing so is to combine white fillings with teeth whitening. This is a quick and easy way to really lift your smile. Leeds City Dentalcare can supply you with custom-made whitening trays so you can safely whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home over the course of a couple of weeks or so. Once you’re happy with your tooth shade then you can return to our Leeds surgery for your white fillings. It is best to do it this way around as Dr David Brown or whoever is replacing your fillings will be able to closely match the composite to the shade of your newly whitened teeth.

Most fillings need replacing every few years or so, and the state of your fillings is something that will check every time you visit our cosmetic dentistry in Leeds for a check-up and professional cleaning. It is essential to make sure they are kept in good condition and that they don’t leak or haven’t cracked or crumbled. One of the first signs that this might have happened is noticing your teeth feel more sensitive than normal to hot and cold foods.

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