Among the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures, a composite filling can repair chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps, change the shape of teeth or be used as a cosmetic alternative to silver amalgam fillings.

An increasingly popular alternative to silver amalgam fillings are composite white fillings. Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings are virtually invisible and our team at Gainesville Dental Arts in Gainesville can shade them according to the color of your teeth to create a perfect match, giving you a beautiful, white smile!

Benefits of Composite White Fillings

• Created to match your tooth to ensure a natural look and feel
• Because composite fillings can be created in smaller preparations, less of your tooth structure is lost and less drilling is needed
• Composite filling material is available in multiple shades so it can be perfectly matched with your tooth shade to ensure a natural look and feel
• Composite material provides support to remaining tooth structure, and insulates against temperature changes
• The material is made from acrylic and glass particles, containing no mercury or other metals
• Provides support to remaining tooth structure, and insulates against temperature changes

The Filling Process

White filling can usually be accomplished in a single visit to the dental office because it does not involve dental laboratory work. Expect the whole procedure to take about 30 minutes to an hour.

• The targeted tooth is prepared to remove the decayed or unsightly portion of the tooth.
• The prepared tooth is then etched with a bonding agent and the composite resin is placed and molded to your tooth structure.
• The material is hardened by focusing intense light rays on it for about a minute with a resin curing light.
• The resin is then trimmed and polished. The filling is now complete leaving you with a beautifully shaped and natural looking restoration.

For What Conditions Is White filling Considered

White filling is an option that can be considered:

• To repair decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill cavities)
• To repair chipped or cracked teeth
• To close spaces between the teeth
• To make teeth look longer
• To change the shape of teeth
• As a cosmetic alternative to silver fillings
• To protect a portion of the tooth's root that has been exposed when gums start to recede

What Are the Advantages of White Filling?

• Bonding is among the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures.
• Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a laboratory, bonding usually can be done in one office visit unless several teeth are involved.
• Compared with veneers and crowns, is that the least amount of tooth enamel is removed.
• Also, unless white filling is being performed to fill a cavity, anesthesia is usually not required.

What Are the Disadvantages of White Filling?

• Although the material used in white filling is somewhat stain resistant, it does not resist stains as well as crowns.
• The bonding materials do not last as long nor are as strong as other restorative procedures, such as crowns, veneers, or fillings.
• Additionally, bonding materials can chip and break off the tooth.
• Because of some of the limitations of bonding, some dentists view bonding as best suited for small cosmetic changes,
  for temporary correction of cosmetic defects, and for correction of teeth in areas of very low bite pressure
  (for example, front teeth).

Consult with Dr. Kaur about the best cosmetic approach for your particular problem.

Care of white filling

• Your filling brightness can be maintained by simply practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding staining food and drinks such as coffee, soda, tea, etc.
• Brush at least twice a day. It is good practice to brush after eating and before bedtime.
• Floss at least once to twice a day.
• Rinse with fluoride rinse before bed. Swish the fluoride rinse vigorously in your mouth for at least one minute. Do not swallow any of the rinse and do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes.
• Be careful about chewing toffees, gum, grainy rolls and tough food in this area.
• we us at Gainesville Dental Arts for regular professional check-ups and cleanings.

For more information on composite white fillings or to schedule an appointment, call Gainesville Dental Arts in Gainesville, Haymarket and let us rejuvenate your smile!

Your filling brightness can be maintained by simply practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding staining food and drinks such as coffee, soda, tea, etc. For more information on composite white fillings or to schedule an appointment, call and let us rejuvenate your smile!