The scientific literature shows that most white composite fillings will last about 7-10 years in healthy patients – but this estimate is based on older kinds of composite fillings, and significant advancements in filling manufacturing have been made since that time (and continue to be made).
Longevity of composite fillings: Depending on your dental hygiene and care protocol, composite fillings can last up to 12-15 years with no hassles. You should expect the filling to hold its strength for at least 5 years. This is shorter than the longevity period of amalgam fillings.
You'll need to have the filling replaced to prevent new decay. If you have a composite filling, it's normal for it to discolor over time. As a result, it can stick out like a sore thumb. You can have it replaced to ensure it continues to blend in seamlessly when you smile.
White fillings don't last as long as silver fillings, and on average sustain for about 7-10 years. Nonetheless, they're still an incredibly strong, successful treatment for most cavities.
The composite is strong, and while it doesn't have as much crushing strength as amalgam, it has enough to easily withstand biting pressures. But because it bonds to the tooth the whole tooth is stronger and much more resistant to breaking than your tooth would be with the silver amalgam filling.
White fillings may turn a darker color over time from smoking, drying out or exposure to high staining foods or drinks.
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.
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.
As with many metals that are exposed to a wet environment they will begin to break down and oxidize, often times turning black. When this happens the filling itself is weakened and shrinks, which allows bacteria to enter the gaps and create new decay.
However, according to the Cleveland Clinic, white fillings typically last around 10 years. Still, their service life can be further enhanced with optimal oral hygiene care, diet management, and regular dental checkup visits.
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!
The preparation of the tooth for a white filling is much more conservative than for a mercury filling and so when tooth decay is removed it means that more tooth structure is left in-tact and therefore the tooth remains stronger and is more durable.
Modern white fillings are much stronger than those from several years ago. They are also bonded to the tooth to effectively seal the margin. Amalgam fillings just plug the hole and do not seal the margins or reinforce teeth. They are, however, very strong and a well-placed amalgam filling can last for several years.
As white fillings contain insulating properties, they protect your tooth much more effectively, flexing 26 times less than their amalgam counterparts – your natural tissues in the vicinity are also better protected. White fillings blend in with your natural tooth colour.
Composite resin also matches the natural luster of teeth. Once the material is hardened, Dr. Jobst can further polish the resin so it has a reflective quality similar to your natural tooth. White fillings are so natural looking that many of our patients can't tell where their fillings start and end.
Unfortunately, you cannot whiten a tooth-colored filling. Hydrogen peroxide, the main teeth whitening agent, can whiten the enamel but not the tooth-colored filling. This is because the same process that the chemicals used to whiten your teeth will not work on fillings, crowns, or veneers.
If the seal between the filling and tooth enamel breaks down, decay-causing bacteria and food particles can get under the filling. These bacteria are hard to remove easily with a toothbrush. A person will then be at risk of developing additional decay in the tooth.
White fillings take one visit and can be easily repaired over time, so they are a very cost effective restoration.
There is no single number of how many times you can have a filling replaced. Usually, we will stop replacing the dental filling after the hole becomes too large. Once you have more filling material than natural tooth material your tooth no longer holds enough strength.
White fillings are dental fillings made from composite dental resin. As their name suggests, white fillings are white, which means they blend more seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. No more flashes of silver when you speak or laugh! These days, white fillings are the standard among most dental offices.
If you have old metal amalgam fillings, particularly near the front of your mouth, you may be interested in replacing metal fillings with white ones. This is a safe and simple procedure and can help to restore confidence in your smile.
They both last on average from 8-15 years, but if repair is needed for any reason, the white fillings are much easier to repair than the silver fillings. Most fillings can be changed from silver to white.
Undue pressure on a dental filling, from chewing hard foods or teeth grinding and clenching, can cause it to break or fall out. If it is painless, the patient may not notice tooth breakage, aside from the filling material dropping into their mouth.
Composite fillings are made from a resin designed to match the color of tooth enamel. They aren't as noticeable as metal fillings, but they are less durable. Composite fillings may cost between $150 to $300 for 1–2 teeth or $200 to $550 for 3 or more teeth.