If you have silver (amalgam) fillings, you may wonder whether it’s time to upgrade with white fillings. At Softouch Dental Care in Oakton, VA, Dr. Michael Chung, a cosmetic and restorative dentistry specialist, and our talented team focus on creating beautiful, functional smiles with five-star service. A Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies graduate, Dr. Chung combines advanced training in Comprehensive Aesthetic Reconstruction with an eye for aesthetics to deliver remarkable results.
White fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, offer an appealing alternative to metal fillings. Here’s why you might consider making the switch.
Why Consider Replacing Metal Fillings?
Amalgam fillings are durable but have downsides. White fillings offer some very persuasive benefits.
These include:
- Natural Appearance: Unlike metal fillings that detract from your smile, white fillings match your teeth’s shade, making them nearly invisible. They look realistic and beautiful, so many patients get white fillings as part of a smile makeover.
- Better Bonding: White fillings adhere directly to your tooth structure for a secure fit.
- Stability and Durability: Modern composite materials resist wear and support your tooth structure. While silver fillings can expand and contract with temperature changes (a potential source of tooth damage), white fillings remain stable.
- Mercury-Free: Although some experts believe dental amalgam is safe, that’s been called into question in recent years by authorities such as the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). According to IAOMT, mercury, a potentially dangerous metal, makes up about half of the material in amalgam fillings. Unlike amalgam fillings, white fillings are free of mercury.
When to Replace Your Fillings
While not every metal filling needs immediate replacement, certain signs indicate it might be time:
- Filling Crack
- Worn Filling
- Filling-Area Sensitivity
- Loose Filling
Many patients choose white fillings for aesthetic reasons, too. Replacing metal fillings is an opportunity to restore the appearance and health of your smile.
The Replacement Process
Swapping your old fillings for white ones is straightforward at Softouch Dental Care. Here’s what to expect:
- Evaluation: We examine your teeth to ensure replacement is appropriate.
- Removal: Dr. Chung expertly removes the old fillings after administering local anesthesia, preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.
- Placement: Dr. Chung applies the composite material in layers and uses light to cure it for a polished finish.
- Polishing: Dr. Chung ensures your new filling fits comfortably and blends seamlessly with your smile.
This minimally invasive process often takes just one visit, leaving you with a more attractive and functional smile.
White Fillings in Oakton, VA
Ready to revitalize your smile? Call Softouch Dental Care at 703-319-6990 in Oakton, VA, to schedule your consultation. We look forward to seeing you soon!
