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Like many things in modern dentistry, the process of getting white fillings is incredibly straightforward and hassle free. So, just what are they?

White Fillings

Using white fillings can help get rid of those unsightly black fillings we've all become accustomed to and transforming it to a natural shine. The benefits of white fillings is that they can also close up small gaps. Traditionally, fillings have been used to fill a hole in a tooth that was caused by decay, enabling the tooth to last for many more years. However, with effective modern dentistry, these white fillings are made to be tooth-coloured and look natural, so no-one will be able to tell you have them. We employ only the most gentle and comfortable anaesthetic techniques, but continue to harness strong and effective anaesthetics.

At Seapoint, we ensure that every visit with us is as comfortable as possible from beginning to end. Once the decay is removed, the tooth is then filled. But for tooth coloured fillings, we place the material into the holes in layers and with the help of a special light shone on each layer to speed up the process. We then shape the filling to ensure it looks as realistic as possible and won't interfere with the way your teeth meet when you bite or chew. Once complete, it will feel smooth and comfortable. White fillings are only suitable where there is enough tooth structure left to support them. Where a tooth has a large filling and you would like it replaced, the white material tends to be more reliable as opposed to a porcelain onlay. The porcelain will be custom made and fit perfectly in your tooth. However, white fillings are not suitable in cases where there are large cavities in the tooth are present.

Cosmetic bondings are suitable in cases where there are small gaps between teeth less than 2mm wide. They can also be useful for slightly crooked or misshapen teeth. In these situations they can be a very gentle and fast way of drastically improving your smile. on average, bondings will only last a few years and are just bonded to the tooth. Just how long they last will depend entirely on how hard you chew or grind your teeth. Often, people will opt for veneers if they are looking for a longer term solution or for changes to their smile.

Mercury Free

At Seapoint Clinic, we only use fillings that are Mercury Free. We are also more than happy to remove mercury fillings safely for you if you are unhappy with their appearance.

Inlays & Onlays

If you have a large filling or possibly leaky old metal filling, you are more than likely an ideal candidate for single-visit crowns/inlays. These provide a beautiful and long lasting restoration for your teeth and can look like the original in a single visit. These are much stronger than traditional fillings as they are milled from a solid block of porcelain.

Most doctors recommend you avoid regular silver fillings which contain mercury. White fillings are not as strong and is why we only suggest using them on small cavities where the tooth is still strong. In other cases, Cerec inlays/crowns are the best alternative.

In other dental practices, getting an inlay or crown can often mean more than one visit. This means that a temporary is necessary and can come loose or cause discomfort. This can also mean that a second local anaesthetic is required, resulting in more time off work, something many of us can't afford. At Seapoint, we are able to make all the crowns and inlays on the back teeth in a single visit. This means less time off for you and more importantly, less discomfort and you can even leave the same day with a new permanent tooth.