It's pretty hard to avoid having at least a few fillings at some point in your life. If you're concerned about your appearance and how your teeth look when you smile or laugh, then the last thing you want is a glint of silvery metal showing! Thankfully, modern technology has made fillings that are functional and natural looking a reality.
The modern alternative is a composite or "white" filling, so called because the material used can be made to match the natural shade, texture and translucency of your own teeth, giving you a much better appearance when you smile than a traditional amalgam "silver" filling would. Composite fillings are usually made from glass particles, synthetic resin and a setting agent.
Not all fillings require local anaesthetic but if it is necessary, we will inject into the gum around the tooth and then thoroughly clean the tooth surface so that the new composite filling will bond securely and easily. We then choose the correct shade of composite filler material to blend in with the natural colour of your teeth. A special gel is then used to cover the surface to which the composite filling is applied, after which a light source activates hardening and setting. The material may be built up in several layers in order to get the ideal shape and texture. Finally, the filling is polished and buffed to achieve a smooth finish.
Many "white" fillings are only available privately and the cost varies according to the type required and the length of time it takes to complete the work. Prices start from around £114 and at The Dental Studio Colchester we will always fully discuss the cost of your treatment with you beforehand. Modern materials mean that the lifetime of your "white" fillings should compare favourably with the amalgam type but as with any filling, it will depend on the location and the force of your bite. We will always advise you on what to expect. It may be possible to have "white" fillings under NHS rules but only on front teeth or the sides of back teeth.
Some people ask to have existing amalgam fillings replaced with tooth-coloured material but we usually recommend doing this only when replacement becomes necessary anyway, or in rare cases where a proven sensitivity to amalgam develops.
Talk to us about your preferences when your teeth need filling – you can still have confidence in your smile!
An amalgam filling has a silver appearance. It is made up of 50% mercury together with tin, silver and copper. An amalgam filling is strong and extremely hardworking. It is a stronger material then composite although it does weaken the tooth. With an amalgam filling the dentist would need to make an undercut of the tooth which would mean removing more of the healthy tooth for the amalgam to be secure, whereas with composite fillings there would be no need to do this.
A composite filling has a white and natural appearance. It is made up of powdered glass and ceramic material added to a resin base to give a tooth coloured effect. A big positive about having a white filling is in being able to smile and laugh without being self-conscious in front of people. Dentists can get the exact colour match to your teeth by using a shade chart and matching it to the right shade of composite.
No one would even realise you had a filling! They also have the advantage of producing less tooth sensitivity. As amalgam weakens the tooth there is more chance of it breaking and a broken tooth is expensive to restore. So although is more expensive at the start it could save you a lot of expense overall.
If you are unsure on what fillings are the best option for you, here at The Dental Studio we offer FREE consultations with our Treatment Co-Ordinators who can answer all of your questions. Call today on 01206 845891 to book your consultation.
£
"Had 2 fillings done today, the first time ever and I was pretty nervous. Despite that the staff were great, really kept me calm and explained it all thoroughly to me. Wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought it'd be! Recommended"
The Comedian
As seen on Google Reviews
£
"I been with The Dental Studio for last 10 years and highly recommending them.
I had dental hygienists, tooth coloured fillings, crown work and
tooth whitening always received high quality service for very good price and feel warm hospitality.
Very polite and professional! Highly recommended!"
Nadia Clarke
As seen on Google Reviews
Fields with (*) are required.
Please contact us via this website or email without disclosing confidential information.
The Dental Studio
236 Bergholt Road, Colchester
CO4 5AS
Call us today: 01206 845891
Email: hello@the-dental-studio.com
| Monday | 8.30 am to 7.30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8.30 am to 4.30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8.30 am to 5.00 pm |
| Thursday | 8.30 am to 7.30 pm |
| Friday | 8.30 am to 1.00 pm (Every other Friday) |
| Saturday | By Appointment Only |
