White Fillings

What Are White Fillings?

White fillings, also known as composite fillings, are a type of dental filling used to repair a tooth. Because they can be closely matched to the color of your natural teeth, they are a popular choice for filling cavities in visible areas of the mouth.

What Can White Fillings Treat?

White fillings are versatile and can be used to treat a range of dental conditions, from health-related to cosmetic. While they’re most often used to fill cavities or to replace a silver amalgam filling, they can also be used to change the color of a tooth or reshape a disfigured tooth. Composite resin is strong, so it provides support for the teeth in addition to its pleasant appearance. This can help to prevent fragile teeth from breaking or sustaining other types of damage.

What Are White Fillings Made From?

White fillings are made from a combination of materials designed to closely mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth. The primary components include:

• Resin Matrix: This is typically made from a type of plastic called bisphenol-A-glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA) or urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA). The resin matrix provides the filling with its form and moldability.
• Inorganic Filler Particles: These are fine glass or ceramic particles such as silicon dioxide, quartz, or zirconia-silica. The filler particles provide strength, wear resistance, and translucency to the composite.
• Coupling Agent: This is usually an organosilane compound that helps bond the resin matrix to the inorganic filler particles, enhancing the overall strength and durability of the composite material.
• Photo Initiators: These are compounds that help initiate the polymerization process when exposed to a specific wavelength of light, typically blue light. This process hardens the composite material layer by layer during the dental procedure.
• Pigments: These are added to match the color of the composite to the natural tooth color, ensuring a seamless blend with the surrounding teeth.

By combining these materials, white fillings provide a durable, aesthetically pleasing, and effective solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth.

The Pros of White Fillings

Aesthetic Appeal:

• Natural Look: White fillings can be closely matched to the color of natural teeth, making them virtually invisible.
• Versatility: They can be used for both front and back teeth due to their aesthetic and functional qualities.

Bonding Strength:

• Adhesion: They bond directly to the tooth structure, providing additional support and reducing the risk of further decay.
• Conservation: Less tooth structure needs to be removed compared to amalgam fillings, preserving more of the natural tooth.

Durability:

• Resilience: Modern composite materials are durable and can withstand the pressures of chewing and biting.
• Flexibility: They can be used to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth as well as to fill cavities.

Safety:

• Mercury-Free: Unlike amalgam fillings, white fillings do not contain mercury, making them a safer choice for some patients.

The Cons of White Fillings

Cost:

• Higher Expense: White fillings are generally more expensive than amalgam fillings due to the materials used and the time required for placement.

Longevity:

• Wear and Tear: While durable, white fillings may not last as long as amalgam fillings, especially in high-stress areas like molars.
• Replacement: They may need to be replaced more frequently compared to metal fillings.

Placement Time:

• Longer Procedure: The process of placing white fillings is more time-consuming due to the need for layering and curing each layer with a special light.
• Skill Required: Proper placement requires a high level of skill and precision from the dentist.

Sensitivity:

• Post-Procedure Sensitivity: Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures after the filling is placed.

Staining:

• Discoloration: White fillings can become stained over time from foods, drinks, and habits like smoking, potentially requiring polishing or replacement.

Does Getting a White Filling Hurt?

During and after the procedure, you shouldn’t feel anything more than mild soreness and discomfort. Your teeth may also be sensitive to heat and cold for up to two days, but then you’ll be back to feeling normal again.

How To Take Care of Your White Fillings

Proper maintenance and care of white fillings are essential to ensure their longevity and to maintain oral health. Here are some tips and best practices for caring for your white fillings. By following these maintenance and care tips, you can help ensure that your white fillings last longer and continue to look and function well.

Daily Oral Hygiene

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid wearing down the filling material.
• Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and around the fillings.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce plaque and maintain oral hygiene.

Dietary Considerations

• Limit consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored foods that can stain your fillings.
• Reduce intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can contribute to decay and damage to your fillings.

Regular Dental Visits

• Visit your dentist every six months for regular check-ups and cleanings.
• Your dentist can monitor the condition of your fillings and catch any issues early.
• Professional cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can affect the longevity of your fillings.

Habits To Avoid

• Avoid chewing on hard foods like ice, hard candies, and nuts, which can crack or chip your fillings.
• Avoid using your teeth to open packages or biting your nails, as this can damage your fillings.
• Avoid smoking or using other tobacco products, as they can stain and damage your fillings.

Handling Sensitivity

• If you experience sensitivity after getting a white filling, use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
• Avoid extreme temperatures in food and drinks.

Immediate Care for Issues

If you experience discomfort or pain or notice damage to your fillings, contact your dentist promptly for an evaluation and possible repair.