White Resin Fillings
White resin fillings, also known as composite fillings, are tooth-colored fillings used to repair cavities and other dental damage. Unlike gold or silver amalgam fillings, white resin fillings offer a natural appearance that easily blends into the surrounding teeth. You would probably never notice a white resin filling in someone’s smile unless they pointed it out to you.
About White Resin Fillings
The cosmetic appeal isn’t the only advantage of composite fillings. They’re also durable and versatile. Dentists can use white resin fillings to fix cavities, repair cracks and chips, and even close small gaps between teeth. The resin bonds directly to tooth enamel, meaning the dentist doesn’t need to drill out as much healthy tooth structure compared to other restorative dentistry options.
How It Works
Your dentist will start by checking your teeth to diagnose the issue. If you choose white fillings, they will isolate the affected tooth and remove any decay by drilling with local anesthetic as needed. The dentist prepares the tooth by etching the surface and applying a liquid bonding agent to help the tooth-colored filing stick.
Long-Lasting
Resin application requires thin layers that the dentist molds to the tooth’s shape. Your dentist will cure the resin with blue light between each layer and finally shape and polish the filling until it fits your bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are tooth-colored fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings are made of acrylic resin and used to repair cavities and other dental issues. Unlike other types of fillings, they match the color of your teeth and blend naturally into the rest of your smile.
Beyond cavities, dentists can use tooth-colored fillings to address issues like chips, cracks, and gaps in teeth. And since the fillings bond directly to the enamel, there’s less removal of healthy tooth structure than with other fillings.
The placement process is straightforward, too. The dentist drills out decay, etches the tooth and applies a bonding agent, layers on the resin, and cures each layer. The final touch is shaping and smoothing the filling to fit your bite.
Are composite fillings better than silver fillings?
There’s no simple answer to the question of composite fillings vs. silver fillings. The best choice for you will depend on your dental issue, preferences, and budget.
Composite fillings offer the advantage of a natural look since they’re tooth colored. If you’re worried about having visible dental work based on location or personal preference, composite white fillings are probably the best option. They’re also bonded directly to the teeth, meaning less drilling is necessary.
The advantage of silver fillings is that they’re more durable and less expensive than composite fillings. They’re ideal for repairs on back molars, especially if you need a large filling.
How long do white fillings last?
You can expect your resin fillings to last around seven to 10 years with proper care. Make your fillings last longer with these care tips:
- Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Gently floss around the tooth with the filling (as well as the rest of your teeth) every day.
- Avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods, like caramels and hard candy. They can chip or dislodge the filling.
- Try to limit dark drinks, like coffee and wine, to avoid staining the filling.
If longevity and durability are more important, you might be better off with traditional metal fillings.
Do fillings hurt?
If you’ve never had a dental filling before, you may worry that the procedure will be painful. People are often most nervous about the drilling. Luckily, most patients don’t experience any pain while getting a dental filling.
Your dentist will likely use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth, so you don’t feel pain during the procedure. You may feel some pressure or vibration from the dentist’s tools, though.
After the procedure, it’s normal to feel some soreness and sensitivity, but you can expect that to fade over the next few days to two weeks.
