Q Why should I
consider white fillings?
A - Most people have fillings of one sort or another
in their mouths. Nowadays fillings are not only functional,
but can be natural looking as well. Many people don’t
want silver fillings that show when they laugh or smile
because they are more conscious about the way they look.
Q Can I get them on the NHS?
A - The National Health Service will not usually allow
white fillings on the biting surfaces of back teeth.
However, this does not apply to the sides of back teeth
or to any front teeth.
Q Are they expensive?
A - Because many white fillings are only available privately,
costs can vary quite a lot from dentist to dentist.
Costs usually depend on the size and type of white filling
used and the time it takes to complete the treatment.
Costs may also vary from region to region. As a guide,
white fillings start from around £40 each, but
your dentist will be able to give you an idea of the
cost before you agree to treatment.
Q Are they as good as silver amalgam fillings?
A - White fillings have always been considered less
long lasting than silver amalgam fillings. But there
are now new materials available with properties comparable
to silver amalgam, and these are proving to be very
successful. The life expectancy of a white filling can
depend greatly on where it is in your mouth and how
heavily your teeth come together when you bite. Your
dentist can advise you on the life expectancy of your
fillings.
Q Is it worth replacing my amalgam fillings
with white ones?
A - It is usually best to change fillings only
when your dentist decides that an old filling needs
replacing. If so you can ask to have it replaced in
a tooth-coloured material.
Some dentists prefer not to put white fillings in back
teeth, as they are not always successful. One way around
this would be to use crowns or inlays, but this can
mean removing more of the tooth and can be more expensive.
Q What are tooth-coloured fillings made of?
A - This can vary, but they are mainly made
of glass particles, synthetic resin and a setting ingredient.
Your dentist should be able to give you more information
about the particular material that they use.
Q Where can I get them done?
A - Most dental practices offer white fillings
as a normal part of the treatment they give you. However,
white fillings are classed as a ‘cosmetic’
treatment, and you can therefore only have them if you
pay for them.
Q Are there any alternatives to fillings?
A - Adhesive dentistry is another form of this
treatment. This involves bonding the filling to the
tooth. The dentist has to remove less of the tooth,
which is obviously better.
As we have already said, there are alternatives such
as crowns and inlays although they can cost a lot more.
Veneers can be used on front teeth instead of crowns
or fillings.
|
