Milford Dentists Advocate White Or Coloured Fillings

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 is a range of choices available and at Milford Dentists, since 1999 their 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 the team at Milford Dentists to expertly match the colour of your teeth. A beautiful and silver-less smile is now yours just for the asking!

Composite fillings have become the preferred choice of dental filling material, are recommended by the Milford Dentists staff and are 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.

If a patient has been diagnosed with a cavity, Milford Dentists’ alternative is white fillings. White fillings are made from acrylic and glass particles, contain no toxic substances, and can seal the 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 the tooth tissue from the inside, strengthening teeth and providing additional support for many years. Because composite fillings can be created in smaller preparations, less of the 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 other teeth, keeping the 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 reinvasion, 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.

For more information please visit the website at http://www.milforddentists.co.nz .