Using White Fillings for Cosmetic Dentistry

White fillings are a popular choice for repairing decaying teeth, but did you know they are also commonly used for teeth whitening? Nowadays, people don�t just save visits to their dental therapist until their teeth are causing them pain. At Hobsonville

White fillings are a popular choice for repairing decaying teeth, but did you know they are also commonly used for teeth whitening? Nowadays, people don’t just save visits to their dentist until their teeth are causing them pain. At Hobsonville Point Dental, we get customers booking in appointments for cosmetic dentistry, which is the beautifying of smiles.

Cosmetic dentistry includes many treatment options such as braces, porcelain restorations, dental implants, white fillings and more.  White fillings serve both a health and cosmetic purpose, which is why they are one of the most sought-after services in cosmetic dentistry. See our gallery for all kinds of before and after cosmetic solutions

What Are White Fillings?

Fillings have been used to restore decayed teeth for over 150 years. The difference with white fillings is that they are the newer, healthier option for your tooth when expertly placed. Traditionally, dentists used silver amalgam fillings (also known as mercury amalgam fillings) to repair a decayed or broken tooth. 

White fillings, otherwise known as composite resin fillings, are a solution to the problems that mercury amalgam fillings caused by the metal in these old fillings expanding and contracting when hot and cold foods are eaten causing tooth cracks and secondary tooth decay. White fillings are made of tooth-coloured acrylic and glass particles, which don’t contain any toxic substances. When placed by an expert, white fillings are not only safer, but they also last  a long time and  seal and stabilize the tooth structure better. This is because the composite resin bonds to the tooth tissue from the inside, working as a stronger solution that glues the tooth together from the inside -  Silver amalgam fillings do not bond a tooth together they are a "hole" filler. White fillings also require less drilling of the existing tooth as the white filling bonds/sticks to a cavity/tooth. Silver fillings required undercutting of the tooth to hold a silver amalgam filling in the cavity mechanically - this is more damaging to the tooth.

Aside from being better from a tooth health perspective, white fillings also have cosmetic benefits. Being more natural looking, white fillings can double as a teeth whitening option. A smile is the best accessory, so it’s a shame when people feel too insecure about their teeth to grin with happiness. White fillings can boost self-esteem. Brush twice a day, floss regularly and avoid sugary treats to keep your fillings strong.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry For Me?

Cosmetic dentistry is for anyone who wishes they could change a little something about their smile. There’s no point in feeling uncomfortable or unhappy when a trip to your dentist could solve your problems. If you’ve been hiding your smile behind your hands, come visit our West Auckland dentist clinic here at Hobsonville Point and we can discuss ways to enhance your smile.

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