White Fillings
White or tooth colored fillings fulfil all of the important functions of regular fillings, but with the added cosmetic advantage of blending in with the rest of your teeth to keep your smile looking bright and natural.
Advantages of white fillings
White fillings are virtually indistinguishable from regular teeth and do not blacken over time as silver fillings are prone to do. In addition to the aesthetic benefits of providing a discreet treatment for cavities, the white fillings are also safer than traditional silver amalgam fillings. This is due to the materials used in each method. White fillings are made from composite resin, a reliable material also implemented in other cosmetic dental procedures such as tooth bonding and certain dental bridges. White fillings are also durable and stronger than traditional fillings.
Silver amalgam fillings and mercury
The silver amalgam fillings that have often been used to fill cavities contain approximately 50% mercury, a toxic chemical that has been proven to be more damaging than arsenic. The mercury within the silver fillings does not damage the mouth immediately but there is a risk of mercury leakage over time, which can spread in small amounts throughout the body. At the moment there is wide debate over the effects this produces and the wisdom of using mercury in dentistry. Older fillings are especially likely to contain mercury. Talk to your dentist for information about the substances used in making your fillings.
Replacing silver fillings
Many people hear about tooth colored fillings for the first time when they need treatment for a new cavity, and this can prompt them to ask their dentist to remove and replace their old silver fillings. Doing so leads to a more symmetrical and attractive smile untarnished by flecks of metal. The procedure is simple and can often be performed in conjunction with the placing of a new white filling. Broken or cracked fillings can also be replaced.
How long do white fillings last?
White fillings are very durable, lasting on average between 6 and 12 years. As always this depends on your individual oral hygiene, and people who keep their teeth and mouth healthy can make their fillings last even longer.
How much do white fillings cost?
Cost varies depending on the dentist and geographical location, but the average price of a composite resin white filling is between $150 and $200. Metal fillings cost around $75 to $145, but the difference in price can be seen as a bargain considering the multiple advantages offered by white fillings. Most dental insurance companies are will consider paying toward the costs of replacing silver fillings with white fillings, especially if the old filling is damaged. In other cases the insurance might not pay as much toward the costs.