As children, for many with our first tooth cavities, there was but a single solution available from the dentist or dental nurse. A black filling. They were commonly known as metal, sometimes as silver or amalgam but no matter what name you gave them, they were unsightly and very obvious. Now there are a range of choices available to you, and at Milford Dentists, since 1999 our exclusive choice for all filling work has been white fillings.
Unlike those silver metal (or amalgam) fillings of the past, white fillings (also known as composite resin fillings or tooth coloured fillings) are virtually invisible, long lasting and can be shaded by our dentists to expertly match the colour of your teeth. A beautiful and silver-less smile is now yours just for the asking!
Roll your mouse over the after image here to see the amalgam fillings prior to their replacement -All restorations here placed using Rubber dam to isolate each tooth and safely remove the mercury amalgam. If on mobile scroll to the bottom to see before and after images - Andrea
Composite fillings have become the preferred choice of dental filling material, are recommended by our staff and considered to be stronger, safer and more durable than traditional amalgam fillings.
Amalgam (or silver) dental fillings were initially developed as a low-cost alternative to gold restorations. Made from a combination of silver shavings, zinc, copper, tin, and mercury, amalgam fillings became the most popular and effective filling material for the repair of teeth affected by decay, cracks or fractures.
Amalgam gained popularity in dentistry despite concern by some over the potential toxicity of mercury, and recent testing has identified that very small amounts of mercury (in vapour form) can be released as the amalgam filling wears. While the FDA considers dental amalgam fillings safe for adults and children ages 6 and above, research continues and it is recommended that should you be allergic to any of the metals in dental amalgam, you should discuss an alternative filling material with your dentist.
Roll your mouse over the after image here to see the amalgam fillings prior to their replacement -All restorations here placed using Rubber dam to isolate each tooth and safely remove the mercury amalgam. If on mobile scroll to the bottom to see before and after images - Andrea
If you have you been diagnosed with a cavity, our alternative is white fillings. White fillings are made from acrylic and glass particles, contain no toxic substances, they can seal your tooth and stabilize its structure far more effectively than amalgam.
Although primarily used to restore decayed teeth, composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing tooth colour or reshaping disfigured teeth.
White or composite fillings from Milford Dentists are made of materials that more effectively bond to your tooth tissue from the inside, strengthening your teeth and providing additional support for many years. Because composite fillings can be created in smaller preparations, less of your tooth structure is lost and less drilling is also required. Once bonded, the composite filling will also not change shape over time and will wear at a similar rate to your own tooth, keeping your dental repair stable and secure.
White fillings as compared to amalgam are also significantly less temperature-sensitive. When eating/drinking hot and cold foods/drinks, amalgam fillings expand and contract which can cause hairline fractures and tooth sensitivity. Tiny cracks in the amalgam material or between the filling and natural tooth structure may result in bacterial re invasion, causing larger issues with decay than were initially encountered.
Although the results are long term, as with most dental repairs, fillings will eventually require attention, however composite resin fillings are very durable option.
Want to know more about your choices for dental cavities and repair? Talk to us today to learn more about the benefits of composite resin vs traditional amalgam fillings and why we have haven’t placed a dental amalgam filling since 1999.
Posted by Andrea Clarke BDS
Milford Dentists is proud to help the good people of the North Shore with all their dental requirements - From Devonport and Belmont up through Takapuna, Castor Bay,Mairangi Bay & Browns Bay as well as Albany, Northcote, Hillcrest & the Whangaporoa Peninsula.
Great Post!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information. Such a useful information you have posted here.
We at Easter Ross Dental Care provides Dental Implants Scotland, NHS Dentist Scotland, Facial Aesthetics Treatment and White Dental Fillings in Scotland to our customer. We have highly experienced and expert Dentist in Scotland to resolve teeth problem.