White fillings, also known as tooth colored fillings, are most often made of a composite resin or porcelain. Biocompatible and nontoxic, white fillings do not off-gas like metal alternatives and are actually much safer for both your teeth and your body.
White fillings are also safer. Metal can leach into the mouth and bloodstream over time. Silver amalgam contains trace amounts of mercury, which is a known neurotoxin. White fillings are biocompatible and contain no dangerous metals or chemicals.
Advantages of white fillings:
White fillings don't have the same potential environmental or health risk posed by the mercury in amalgam fillings. Some people find they experience less post-treatment discomfort and sensitivity when using white composite fillings.
White fillings are weaker than silver fillings and might not last as long. There is a higher chance of cavities reforming under the filling, called recurrent decay, with white fillings. White fillings tend to be more expensive than silver fillings.
Porcelain Fillings Are an Investment in Your Health
Not only are non-toxic porcelain dental fillings safe, but they are also stronger, more stain-resistant, and longer-lasting than any other filling material.
Porcelain is durable, non-toxic and yes, biocompatible. It naturally adheres to your DNA. Porcelain forms an actual bond with your body that is five times stronger than your natural teeth. It's the perfect material for fillings, crowns and veneers.
Silver fillings, also called amalgams, have been placed for decades and have served their purpose in dentistry. However, there are a few fundamental problems with silver fillings: They continue to introduce mercury into the environment. Patients are also generally concerned about mercury exposure.
Composite fillings may be toxic if they contain Bisphenol A (BPA) or other toxic materials. As those fillings wear down over time, toxic materials used in a composite blend may seep into the oral cavity.
When an existing silver filling is small, and there is a large amount of healthy remaining tooth structure (no cavity, crack, fracture), then a white filling will be the best treatment option.
What makes white fillings safer than the old-fashioned, silver ones? Two words: no mercury. About 50% of a silver amalgam filling is made from mercury, which can cause health problems among some patients. Composite resin fillings do not contain any mercury, and therefore they do not carry this particular risk.
Many patients see their composite fillings lasting for about ten years. But if you take really great care of your fillings, they may be able to last you longer than that — and even a lifetime!
Just like your natural teeth, staining foods and drinks can discolor your white filling and make it stand out. Avoid dark foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, berries and red wine. If you must indulge, rinse with water shortly after to prevent the staining agents from absorbing into your fillings.
White fillings are also quite inexpensive compared to other options like crowns, and the process itself can be a lot quicker. The longevity of this type of filling is decent usually lasting around 7 to 15 years, as long as they are kept in good condition.
If you have silver fillings, it is possible to replace them, but you don't need to if you don't want to. There's no need to panic about the safety of your fillings, or assume that you have no choice but to pay for a new white filling. If your fillings are still in good condition, they can stay in place.
Dental fillings can be made from a variety of materials, but most commonly are silver amalgam and composite resin. Some composite resins (white fillings) today often contain the endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA). This can be concerning as they are used in fillings for kids as well.
Most fillings can be changed from silver to white. A discussion with the dentist would need take place first, as well as an x-ray to see how deep/large the filling is.
Depending on the extent of tooth decay, your dentist may recommend either a cavity filling or dental crown. Dental crowns are typically used to treat severely damaged teeth, while filings generally treat minor tooth decay and damages.
Strength: Silver fillings are generally considered stronger than white fillings, though both are made to withstand biting, chewing and regular wear-and-tear. Placement: White fillings are made to match the color of your teeth, so they're ideal for cavities in visible locations.
It's true, dental fillings unfortunately do not last forever. Though they are applied in such a way that ensures they stay put for many years, life happens, and they still can come loose. If you've recently had a filling fall out, it's important not to panic.
White fillings stick to the sides of your tooth and this can cause some flexion when biting on them. It can take 2-4 weeks for this to settle down, so if you're experiencing this after a white filling then you need to be patient.
Composite tooth fillings can often yellow or brown over time due to foods and beverages you intake, or other variables. If you get your teeth professionally whitened, the composite filling will not brighten and may be more noticeable.
Unfortunately, tooth decay can still happen underneath a filling, especially if the filling has been cracked, worn, or otherwise damaged. In these cases, bacteria can enter your tooth and a new cavity can start again.
White fillings offer several advantages over metal fillings. First, they are made from a tooth-coloured material. As a result, they blend in perfectly with the neighbouring natural tooth structure and become virtually indistinguishable. Besides, white fillings do not contain harmful ingredients, unlike silver fillings.
Dental fillings are used as a restorative measure in teeth that have been affected by decay or damage. It is a common procedure and most fillings are carried out without any issues, but sometimes dentists may perform the treatment poorly, which can lead to a number of problems as a result.
Not All Composite Resins Contain BPA
While Bisphenol A isn't directly used in composite dental fillings, according to the Open Dentistry Journal article, its derivatives are routinely discovered in material samples.