Silver Fillings Versus White Fillings

When it comes to dental fillings, the choice between silver (amalgam) and white (composite) fillings can significantly impact not only your oral health but also the aesthetics of your smile. 

At The Waterside Dental Clinic, we’re dedicated to providing you with the best options for a beautiful and healthy smile. In our latest blog, we’ll explore the key differences between silver and white fillings and why we recommend white fillings as the superior choice for our patients.

Understanding Silver Fillings (Amalgam)

Silver fillings, also known as amalgam fillings, have been used in dentistry for over a century. They are a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper and mercury. While they have been largely effective at restoring teeth, silver fillings come with several drawbacks.

Disadvantages of Silver Fillings:

• Aesthetic concerns: Silver fillings are highly visible and extremely unsightly, especially when used in visible areas of the mouth. They can give teeth a grey appearance.
• Mercury content: Amalgam fillings contain a small amount of mercury, raising concerns about potential health risks.
• Tooth Structure Removal: Preparing a tooth for a silver filling often requires more removal of healthy tooth structure than with white fillings.
• Silver fillings have no direct bond to the tooth whatsoever, and are held in place purely by undercuts created during the preparation process.
• Sensitivity to Temperature: Silver fillings are effectively made from metal and therefore can expand and contract with temperature changes, potentially leading to cracks and breakages in the tooth.
  

The Superior Choice: White Fillings (Composite)

At The Waterside Dental Clinic, we recommend and indeed only use white fillings, or composite fillings, as the preferred option for a variety of reasons:

Advantages of White Fillings:

• Aesthetics: Composite fillings are designed to match the natural colour of your teeth, making them virtually invisible. This ensures a seamless and beautiful smile.
• Mercury-Free: Unlike silver fillings, composite fillings are mercury-free, eliminating any concerns about mercury exposure.
• Preservation of Tooth Structure: Composite fillings require less removal of healthy tooth structure, preserving more of your natural tooth.
• Strengthening Teeth: Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, providing additional support and helping to prevent fractures.
• Durable and Long-Lasting: Modern composite materials are highly durable and can last as long as silver fillings, making them a reliable choice for tooth restoration.
• Reduced Sensitivity: Composite fillings are less sensitive to temperature changes, reducing the risk of cracks or damage to the tooth.
  

The Waterside Dental Clinic Difference

When you choose The Waterside Dental Clinic for white fillings, you can expect:

• Expertise: Our skilled dentists have extensive experience in providing composite fillings, ensuring precision and a natural appearance.
• Customised Care: We tailor our treatments to meet your unique needs, ensuring the best results for your smile.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: We utilise the latest dental technology and high-quality composite materials.
• Patient Comfort: We prioritise your comfort and use minimally invasive techniques to reduce discomfort and recovery time.
  

At The Waterside Dental Clinic, your smile is our top priority. When it comes to choosing between silver fillings and white fillings, we believe that white fillings offer a safer, more aesthetic and longer-lasting solution for our patients. 

Say goodbye to unsightly silver fillings and embrace the beauty and health benefits of white fillings. Contact us today to arrange a consultation and let us help you achieve a brighter, healthier smile.