One option to improve the cosmetic look of your smile is to have your metal-coloured fillings replaced with tooth-coloured or ‘white’ fillings. This is a safe procedure that entails one of our dentists removing any decay from your tooth, taking out the metal or amalgam filling, and placing a tooth-coloured filling instead. The new filling is made from a tough substance and will withstand the forces in your mouth when you bite and chew over a long period. This will allow you to smile without a metallic glint, giving your teeth a more natural appearance.

As dentists, we believe prevention is always better than cure and will always encourage and help you to look after your teeth so you don’t develop tooth decay in the first place. If you do have decay and need a filling, then we recommend white fillings as a good solution that is both aesthetic and functional.

Reasons for needing a tooth filling

• • Tooth decay – Tooth decay is the most common cause of fillings. Acid forms when bacteria feed on the sugars and starches left on your teeth by food or drink. This softens and dissolves your enamel (the hard-protective coating on your teeth), causing tiny holes that grow bigger.
  • Acid erosion – Your protective enamel coating can get worn away by acids in certain foods and drinks or with some medical conditions like reflux or hiatus hernia.
  • Chipping –You might have a broken or chipped tooth due to an injury or after eating something challenging.
  • Abrasion and attrition – This is when teeth get worn, perhaps if you brush them too aggressively or grind your teeth.