Back teeth with unsightly old fashioned metal fillings may be made to look far more fresh and new by having replacement fillings in white. If you have a very broad smile or are conscious of the black fillings in the back of your mouth this maybe a very appropriate treatment.

Where appropriate these fillings may be placed immediately in the mouth. Alternatively the filling may be made outside the mouth in a perfect form and fitted at a later appointment. This is known as an inlay.

Both the immediate filling and the inlay are strong and stain-resistant, and they are colour-matched to the natural tooth, making them virtually ‘invisible’.

White Composite Fillings that are placed immediately in the mouth are especially suited for smaller fillings. Where as for larger fillings an inlay maybe more appropriate.  
 

The Risks
The risks are negligible. However, the success of any filling or inlay is dependant on the strength of the tooth itself and overall oral health.

What is involved?
Conventional tooth filling using White Composite Fillings can be achieved in one visit.

The tooth maybe frozen using local anaesthetic so that the old filing can be removed and the new filling can be put in place without any discomfort.

An inlay filling will take at least two visits. This is because the old filling must be removed and the site must be prepared before an impression is taken.

The area of the filling is then temporarily filled to allow the impression to be sent to the laboratory and an inlay created.

After approximately a week the inlay will be finished and ready for fitting. This process will involve checking your bite, the colour and making small adjustments. 
 
Preparing for your treatment
A full medical history will be needed before any treatment can start.

This will require you to fill out a form prior to entering the treatment room.

Make sure that you do not have any important appointments directly after dental work that might require anaesthetic. Even if you have not had an anaesthetic changes in your mouth can feel strange and it is possible that a change might temporarily affect your speech.

Some treatments may require you to eat very carefully for a short period after your visit and this may be worth remembering this when planning your day.

After Your Treatment
It maybe important not to bite hard on a new filling for a few hours. It is also import to be careful that you do not accidentally bite your cheek, tongue or lip if the local anaesthetic has not worn off.

Even small changes to your teeth may initially feel strange or even unpleasant. Give your mouth and tongue a chance to get used to any new features.

If after 48 hours you are still uncertain about any aspect of your treatment please call the clinic.

How long will the results last?
White Composite Fillings or inlays can last for years if they are treated appropriately.

However, the working life of these fillings will ultimately be dependant on the nature of your bite, your oral hygiene, your eating habits and the general strength of your teeth.