It is very rare that young people have fillings in their teeth but given time, what we eat and how we look after our teeth can contribute to a breakdown in the health of our teeth and provide a path for bacteria followed by decay. If you brush carefully and floss regularly, it is possible to avoid needing a filling but for many, sooner or later a filling may be required to patch a weak or damaged section of tooth to prevent further decay. 

There are several types fillings however we have listed the two most common below. 

Dental amalgams:  These are the oldest type and was the most common form of filling twenty years ago. Also known as silver fillings, dental amalgams are a typically a mixture of mercury (45 to 50 percent), and an alloy of silver, tin, and copper (50 to 55 percent). Although this kind of filling contains mercury, the chemical make up of the metal changes when mixed with the other metals and it is deemed safe to use in the body. If you have any personal doubts as to the safety of silver fillings, there is another option, which is listed below.

Composite resins: These are a white plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide) that can be made to look much the same colour as your natural teeth. Obviously, there are cosmetic benefits to having fillings that are largely unnoticeable and composite resin fillings are also used for cosmetic corrections such as uneven teeth or colouring.

What are your options for restoring a damaged smile?

Due to the advances in bonding technologies and materials suitable for fitting to the mouth, there are lots of affordable cosmetic dentistry options to restore a damaged smile quickly (often in one session) and painlessly.

Porcelain Veneer - a ceramic material is bonded to the front surface of teeth to change the tooth's color, size, and/or shape.

Crown - if you have sufficiently damaged a tooth where a substantial part of the tooth breaks away or has been weakened by a process such as a root canal therapy, you can get a crown (sometimes called a "cap") to cover the damaged tooth and make up the lost bulk. A crown helps to prevent against fractures in these teeth and therefore, avoid a potential extraction.

If you think you may require a filling or restorative work done on your smile, you can chat directly with our dental team for free advice. We'll be happy to answer any further questions you may have.