Lots of people still have older style amalgam fillings in place, and even though this material is functional and very hard wearing, it is not exactly pretty. One of the problems with amalgam is that it can make it look as if teeth are discoloured or stained through creating dark areas in the mouth. Another problem is that it contracts and expands when it comes into contact with cold and hot substances. This may not sound like a big deal, but this continual expansion and contraction can eventually create tiny cracks and fissures in the teeth, weakening the tooth structure.
This is not an issue with the materials used for cosmetic white fillings, as they flex in the same way as a natural tooth, and are a very healthy way to repair a tooth. White fillings are made from composite resin, and this material comes in many different shades, so your cosmetic dentist in Bayswater will be able to closely match the colours to your natural tooth. In fact they may even use several different shades to create a very natural looking filling. Modern composites are strong enough to repair even quite large areas of decay that would previously have needed to be repaired with amalgam or inlays or onlays.
All Fillings Need Replacing Regularly
All fillings need replacing every few years, and this is essential as otherwise they can begin to leak or to crumble around the edges, and this could enable bacteria to penetrate the tooth. If bacteria are able to penetrate the tooth then they can cause decay and infection, and you may end up needing more tooth structure removed, or there is even the possibility that the infection could spread to the central part of the tooth called the pulp. At this point you would need to have root canal therapy to try to save the tooth.
Replacing old fillings with more cosmetically pleasing white fillings in Bayswater is an easy way to improve your smile while protecting your oral health. It can make quite a difference to have old stained white fillings removed and replaced, or to have older style amalgam fillings removed and replaced with white fillings that match your natural tooth colour. While your cosmetic dentist in Bayswater will not necessarily suggest removing amalgam fillings for the sake of it, when the time comes for replacement they can ensure that they are safely removed and that the amalgam is correctly disposed of as this substance does contain mercury.
If you have large areas of decay that cannot be so easily replaced with white fillings you’re your cosmetic dentist in Bayswater may suggest using an inlay or onlay. These are designed to cover more of the tooth surface, and can be made from porcelain. Although they may take a little longer to replace, they give really good aesthetic results, and once bonded onto the tooth will help to improve the overall strength of the tooth, ensuring you can bite and chew on it perfectly normally.