July 27, 2021

White fillings are the more modern alternative to traditional amalgam fillings, also known as silver fillings due to their metallic colour.

In fact metal fillings don’t contain silver, but are an alloy of various powdered metals, which in the past were blended with about 50% liquid mercury to produce the filling paste.

Over the years, concerns about the toxicity of mercury in dental treatments have led to the development of alternatives. But mercury-free amalgam fillings are still very visible against the white of the teeth, leading many patients to prefer white fillings instead.

 

What are white fillings?

White fillings are made of a composite material that typically contains resin, as well as inorganic materials like glass, porcelain or ceramic. This composite can be moulded and cured in the laboratory, to produce complete replacement teeth, bridges and other cosmetic dentistry treatments.

Alternatively, it can be used as a dental filler and then cured in the patient’s mouth using specific wavelengths of light to trigger the hardening process. 

This allows white fillings to be sculpted to the precise shape of the tooth’s surface before being cured in place, for a much subtler aesthetic.

 

Why are white fillings better?

Modern white fillings overcome some of the historic problems of using white composites instead of amalgam, such as the risk of the filling shrinking over time.

Instead, the composites used are now much more stable, for a longer-lasting filling without maintenance (although regular dental check-ups are still advised).

The precise colour of the composite can be changed to match the natural colour of your teeth – even accounting for the natural yellowing process due to ageing, if you wish.

Importantly, white composite fillings are not associated with any health hazards or toxic effects, so you get an aesthetically pleasing filling with no unpleasant side-effects.

 

Find out more

If you’d like to enquire about natural looking white fillings in London, or you have old amalgam fillings you want replacing for aesthetic or health reasons, get in touch with the cosmetic dentistry professionals at Ten Dental. 

We offer white fillings in Balham, Clapham and Wandsworth, using composites made of porcelain, ceramic and resin. Visit our Contact page for details of your local Ten Dental clinic. 

For general enquiries, you can call us on 0207 622 7610 or email hello@tendental.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

We also offer virtual consultations based on digital photos you take yourself with your phone. Just click Virtual Consultation for more instructions.