Chances are that if you have had a filling in your molars in the last 10 years, your dentist has used a metal filling.

Of course, they have! This has been standard practice for many dental surgeries for decades. Metal fillings are hardy, easy to fit and easy to replace if they fall out.

However, in dental practices today, many dentists are suggesting that regardless of the area of decay in your mouth, white fillings in Banbury are a better option for many people.

Why should I replace my metal fillings?

It seems an odd concept doesn’t it? To go to your dentist to have a filling removed and another put in its place? If it’s not broke, don’t fix it! But there are many advantages to having white or composite fillings in lieu of your metal ones.

No discomfort

If you have a metal filling, you may notice that it can sometimes be temperamental due to changes in the temperature of your mouth.

This is not your imagination, at Amsel & Wilkins, we often have patients complaining of discomfort around their metal fillings, even though there is no damage. This is because, when you drink hot tea or beverages, the metal in your filling naturally expands. This expansion can put pressure on the surrounding teeth and can cause further damage.

White fillings in Banbury do not respond to temperature and therefore do not cause damage to the surrounding teeth. This is one of the key reasons we recommend replacing your metal fillings with composite ones as we do not want to further damage your teeth.

No discolouration

When you have a metal filling fitted, you may have noticed that the surrounding tooth now has a grey look.

This can cause you to feel self-conscious and worried about the appearance of your teeth.

If you choose to have your metal fillings replaced with composite ones, regardless of how large or deep the filling is, your teeth will not change in colour at all. In fact, our dental team uses a colour-based scaling system to match the colour of your white filling perfectly to your tooth.

No plaque accumulation

As white fillings in Banbury are fitted to match the colour of your teeth, your dentist will be aware of flattening the border or ‘edges’ where your filling meets your tooth. This lack of an edge is beneficial for your long-term dental health as borders on your teeth provide the perfect place for plaque to build up.

Plaque build up is not only unattractive, but it creates potential future issues for your teeth, such as decay and breakage. Metal fillings are more difficult to mould and soften to the surface of your tooth, meaning they are more likely to have edges and thus allow plaque to accumulate.

Want to change your metal fillings for white ones? Contact us at Amsel & Wilkins in Banbury– we will be happy to assist you with improving your smile.

Call today!

Dating back to their invention in 1955, composite or ‘white fillings’ have improved both dental techniques and smiles for over half a century.

Originally made of porcelain and set to the tooth with resin, white fillings in Banbury have proven to be just as hardy as traditional metal-based fillings with the obvious benefit of creating a more natural, less noticeable look. Indeed, many dental customers today are choosing to have their old, metal fillings removed and replaced with composite ones to improve their smile and confidence.

But what are the other advantages of white fillings in Banbury over metal ones?

Composite versus metal

Of course, if you have decay at the front of your mouth or simply have a damaged tooth, you will want a filling that will not draw attention to itself.

However, many people are unaware of the other benefits of choosing white fillings, that can even make dental check-ups easier for your dentist.

Decay

An annoyance seen daily in dentistry, tooth decay is the primary reason for fillings and while some dentists may opt to simply give you a metal filling (based on location), at Amsel Wilkins, we know the benefits of having composite fillings fitted instead.

One of the key examples is decay. With metal fillings, even the most experienced dentist can miss a minor crack and tooth decay that may be occurring under the filling as result. White fillings in Banbury have the advantage of allowing dentists to detect if a filling has cracked and can even help them see if decay has occurred underneath too. This  means check-ups are easier and any other dental work will be minimal.

Support

If you have a tooth that has decayed, you may have minor cracks forming on the surface too. A composite filling will bond to the natural shape of the tooth and protect it against future breakage and damage, creating a stronger tooth that needs less maintenance.

Resistance

Many people who have had metal fillings fitted are often surprised at the sensitivity of the tooth afterwards. Metal in not as resistant to extremes of heat (tea, coffee) or cold (ice cubes, ice lollies) as composite and can cause pain or sensitivity when exposed to these temperatures. Composite is more durable and adapts easily to different temperatures with no sensitivity or issue, so you can drink as many hot beverages as you want without complaint.

Immediate use

When having a metal filling fitted, many people have been advised by their dentists to ‘take it easy’ on the tooth for a day afterwards; this is due to the sensitivity of the metal and the need to adapt to your mouth. White fillings can be used straight away and do not require a ‘breaking in’ period.

If you want to have your old metal fillings replaced with composite, our dental team at Amsel & Wilkins in Banbury will be happy to fit new ones for you. They are stronger, more durable and will improve your overall confidence.