White Fillings in Mississauga
At St. Lawrence Dentistry, we use advanced composite materials to create conservative, durable, and natural-looking tooth restorations. White fillings can be matched to the existing shade of your teeth, making them particularly useful when restoring teeth that are visible when you smile.
What Are White Dental Fillings?
White fillings are made from a tooth-coloured composite resin that can be bonded directly to the tooth.
One important advantage of composite fillings is their ability to bond to the existing tooth structure. This can allow the dentist to preserve more healthy tooth structure compared with older restorative techniques that required additional tooth preparation to create mechanical retention.
As dental composite technology continues to improve, modern materials allow dentists to create smaller, more conservative restorations while achieving natural-looking results.
Why Choose Composite Resin Fillings?
White fillings offer several potential advantages, including:
- A natural tooth-coloured appearance
- The ability to bond to tooth structure
- Conservative preparation of the tooth
- Excellent shade matching
- Versatility for different restorative procedures
- The ability to repair certain existing composite restorations
At St. Lawrence Dentistry, our goal is to preserve healthy tooth structure whenever clinically appropriate while creating a restoration that is functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.
READY TO RESTORE YOUR SMILE?
If you have a cavity, chipped tooth, damaged filling, dental erosion, or are interested in learning more about tooth-coloured restorations, our team can assess your needs and discuss the appropriate treatment options.
Advanced Composite Materials at St. Lawrence Dentistry
St. Lawrence Dentistry uses composite materials from GC Corporation, a leading manufacturer of dental restorative materials.
One of the materials used at our practice is G-ænial injectable, a composite resin designed to provide excellent handling, aesthetics, and durability.
The material allows Dr. Hawryluk Jr. to carefully shape, sculpt, and polish the restoration to recreate the appearance and function of the natural tooth.
Your Personalized White Filling
When treating a cavity, Dr. Hawryluk Jr. carefully removes the affected tooth structure while taking a conservative approach to preserve healthy areas of the tooth whenever possible.
The tooth is then prepared for bonding, and the appropriate dental bonding agent is applied. Composite resin is placed in carefully controlled layers and hardened using a high-intensity curing light.
Conservative, Natural-Looking Restorations
Once the material has been set, the restoration is carefully shaped and polished. Dr. Hawryluk Jr. checks the final restoration to ensure the appropriate shape, appearance, and function have been achieved.
Frequently asked questions
What are white dental fillings made of?
White dental fillings are generally made from tooth-coloured composite resin. The material is bonded to the tooth and can be shaped and polished to create a natural-looking restoration.
Are white fillings better than amalgam fillings?
White composite and amalgam fillings have different properties and may be appropriate in different clinical situations. Composite fillings offer the advantage of being tooth-coloured and bonding to tooth structure. Your dentist can assess your tooth and recommend the most appropriate restorative material for your needs.
How long do white fillings last?
The lifespan of a white filling depends on factors such as the size and location of the restoration, your oral hygiene, biting forces, diet, and general oral health. Regular dental examinations allow your dentist to monitor existing fillings and identify when they may require repair or replacement.
Can white fillings repair chipped teeth?
Yes, composite resin can be used to repair certain chipped teeth. Whether it is appropriate depends on the size and location of the chip and the condition of the tooth. Your dentist can determine whether composite bonding or another treatment would be most suitable.
Can white fillings be used to repair dental erosion?
In certain situations, yes. Composite resin can be used to restore areas of tooth structure affected by erosion, particularly around exposed root surfaces. Your dentist will first determine the cause and extent of the erosion before recommending treatment.
Can an old white filling be repaired instead of replaced?
Sometimes. If only part of an existing composite filling is defective or damaged, the affected portion may be repairable. Your dentist will assess the restoration and determine whether repair or complete replacement is appropriate.
Do white fillings look like natural teeth?
White composite fillings are designed to match the colour of your natural teeth. Modern composite materials offer a range of shades and can be shaped and polished to create a natural-looking result.