White Fillings: a Guide to the Different Types Available
Dental fillings are effective treatments used by dentists to treat cracked or broken teeth and decayed teeth. They restore strength to the tooth structure, and prevent further damage and decay.
While in the past various metals and amalgam filling materials have been used, in modern dentistry, tooth colored fillings exist and are most commonly used now.
What Are White Fillings?
White fillings are dental filling materials that a dentist uses to fill dental caries, or cavities. Your dentist will clean out the decayed portion of the tooth, and then fill the cavity hole with the white filling material. White fillings are very popular, as they are very discreet, and match with your natural teeth.
When people mention white fillings, they often are referring to composite resin fillings, but there are other tooth colored fillings.
Types of White Dental Fillings
Composite FillingsComposite fillings, also known as composite resin fillings, are the most common type of white dental fillings. Your dentist applies thin layers of the composite resin material, or moulds it into the hole, and cures each layer with a dental curing light. The material can be matched to your teeth.
Composite fillings are excellent for treating the smallest cavities, because of how it can be layered and molded. This also means this filling material can also be used to repair broken teeth, by filling in chips or cracks. They last ten or more years, on average.
Porcelain Fillings
These fillings require two visits to the dentist. On the first visit, your dentist clears away the decay, and then takes an impression of the hole. This mould is sent to a dental laboratory to make a custom filling. In the meantime, your dentist will place a temporary filling in your cavity, to keep the area clean and prevent further tooth decay while you wait. Temporary fillings are only meant to be an interim measure, as they will wear out or fall out in a month or two. It's important to come back for the permanent filling as soon as it's ready.
On the second visit to have your temporary filling replaced, your dentist will place the porcelain, which has been shaped to fit your cavity, into the hole. It will be cemented in once the fit is confirmed.
Porcelain is very natural looking. These dental fillings are very durable, and can last up to 20 years. However, they do require two visits, and they cannot be used to repair very small cavities. To create a shape that a porcelain filling will fit in, your dentist may need to remove more of your tooth.
Glass IonomerThe glass ionomer material comes as a paste that seals a tooth. It's composed of a silicate glass powder which contains fluoride and bonds directly with the tooth. Glass ionomer fillings are not very commonly used, and usually only for temporary fillings, tiny cavities along the gums, or baby teeth.
They usually only last for up to five years, but they release fluoride to reduce risks of future cavities.
What Non-White Dental Filling Alternatives Are There?
Silver Fillings or Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are often called silver fillings because of their colouring. They are composed of a mix of metals. Silver amalgam fillings are less popular now, because they are less aesthetic and darken over time and can even discolour the surrounding tooth structure. Allergic reactions are possible, too.
Gold FillingsGold fillings are not as commonly used because of the colour, except for onlays, a type of indirect filling which covers the top of a molar.
Indirect Fillings vs. Direct FillingsWhen not enough tooth structure remains on decayed teeth, an indirect filling is used. Unlike direct fillings, which people are more familiar with and where dental filling materials are moulded onto, indirect fillings are made from an impression in a dental lab. They are made of a harder material which is then bonded or cemented in place.
There are two main types: inlays and onlays. Both cover the chewing surface of a molar. However, inlays cover just the pits and fissures in the middle of the cusps, or points, while onlays are larger and cover at least one cusp. Because onlays cover more, they are sometimes called partial crowns.
They are made of porcelain or composite resin (white filling materials), or gold.
Do You Have a Toothache?
Tooth sensitivity and pain can be a symptom of tooth decay, which can worsen until you need emergency dental treatment. If you suspect you have a cavity, don't delay treatment. Tooth Buds Dentistry offers natural-looking, white fillings, for nearly invisible restorations.
Dr. Prabhdeep Kaur, a General Dentist, has been enriching the field of dentistry with her expertise for over 13 years, having obtained her license in Canada in 2015. A holder of a BDS degree, Dr. Kaur’s proficiency spans a wide array of dental services, including General and Cosmetic Dentistry, Wisdom Teeth Extractions, Invisalign, and more. Her commitment to her craft is further evidenced by her memberships in prestigious organizations like the Ontario Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario.
Renowned for her patient-focused approach, Dr. Kaur emphasizes the importance of listening and customizing treatments to meet individual needs, viewing dentistry not only as a science but also as an art form dedicated to enhancing and restoring smiles. Her dedication to ongoing education ensures she remains at the cutting edge of dental advancements.
Outside her professional life, Dr. Kaur enjoys family time, travel, and cinema, adding a relatable and approachable dimension to her persona. She is passionate about delivering professional and quality dental care, driven by her desire to connect with people and address their dental needs effectively.
Dr. Kaur’s journey in dentistry serves as an inspiration for aspiring dental professionals, advocating determination, motivation, and enjoyment in their work. Follow her journey and professional updates on Instagram @drprabh84, where she continues to inspire both her patients and peers in the dental community.
