W Composite filling Patient
“My family and I love all the team at Bourne Dental. The service and care is brilliant. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend, my teeth have never looked better!”
M. Front tooth filling patient
“Cannot recommend more highly. Each person on the team are amazing, kind and understanding. For someone who has been historically very nervous at showing my teeth, let alone getting work done. All I can say is you are in safe hands. Never rushed, time to talk and explain any anxieties. Very fair in looking at the best outcomes, and understanding of cost. Real team, doing an amazing job of not just teeth but also for me, my mental health. Just a local sobo dentist you can rely on to not just fix teeth, but show genuine kindness, care and dignity. Thanks guys! Looking forward to appointment next week, never thought I'd say that about dentistry!”
C. Composite fillings patient
“Went to Bourne Dental for some fillings and a scale/clean. The practice is immaculate and every member of staff is so friendly and knowledgeable. My experience was so great! I didn’t have to wait long to get an appointment and am so happy with the results. I will definitely use Bourne Dental in future for any more dental work I need, Thanks guys!”
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite fillings or white fillings, are a modern dental restoration option that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. Unlike traditional silver amalgam fillings, these are made from a composite resin material that can be color-matched to your exact tooth shade.
At Bourne Dental in Bournemouth, we use the highest quality composite materials to ensure your fillings are not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable and long-lasting. Our tooth-colored fillings are the perfect solution for those who want to maintain a natural-looking smile while addressing dental decay or damage.
- Natural appearance that matches your tooth color
- Metal-free and biocompatible
- Preserves more of your natural tooth structure
- Bonds directly to tooth for added strength
- Can be used on both front and back teeth
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Discover why tooth-colored fillings are the preferred choice for dental restorations in Bournemouth
Aesthetic Appeal
Tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them virtually invisible. No more silver fillings that draw attention to your dental work.
Tooth Preservation
Require less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to amalgam fillings. The bonding process actually strengthens your tooth.
Metal-Free
Perfect for patients with metal allergies or sensitivities. Contains no mercury or other metals found in traditional amalgam fillings.
Reduced Sensitivity
Composite resin doesn't expand and contract with temperature changes like metal fillings, reducing sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
Quick Procedure
Typically completed in a single visit. The material sets quickly under a special light, allowing for immediate use of your tooth.
Repairable
If damaged, composite fillings can often be repaired without complete replacement, saving you time and money.
Tooth-Colored vs. Amalgam Fillings
See how modern tooth-colored fillings compare to traditional silver amalgam fillings
| Feature | Tooth-Colored Fillings | Amalgam Fillings |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Natural, tooth-colored, discreet | Silver, metallic, noticeable |
| Tooth Preservation | Minimal tooth structure removal | More healthy tooth must be removed |
| Bonding | Chemically bonds to tooth structure | Mechanically retained (no bonding) |
| Allergy Potential | Hypoallergenic, metal-free | Possible metal allergies/sensitivities |
| Temperature Sensitivity | Less sensitivity to hot/cold | Can expand/contract, causing sensitivity |
| Longevity | 7-10 years with proper care | 10-15 years (but with drawbacks) |
| Cost | Slightly higher initial cost | Less expensive initially |
The Tooth-Colored Filling Process
Your journey to a natural-looking dental restoration in Bournemouth
We begin with a thorough examination of your teeth, including digital X-rays if needed, to assess the extent of decay or damage. We'll discuss your options and determine if tooth-colored fillings are the right solution for you.
We administer local anesthesia to ensure your complete comfort. Using precise techniques, we remove only the decayed or damaged portion of your tooth, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
We isolate the tooth to keep it clean and dry during the procedure. We then apply a conditioning gel to prepare the tooth surface for optimal bonding of the composite material.
We apply the tooth-colored composite resin in thin layers, carefully shaping it to restore your tooth's natural contour. Each layer is hardened with a special curing light before the next is applied.
Once the filling is complete, we meticulously trim and polish it to match the shine and texture of your natural teeth. This ensures a comfortable bite and seamless appearance.
We provide detailed instructions on caring for your new filling. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, your tooth-colored filling can last for many years.
FAQs
With proper care, tooth-colored fillings typically last between 7 to 10 years. Their longevity depends on several factors:
- Your oral hygiene habits (brushing and flossing regularly)
- Dietary habits (avoiding excessive sugary foods and drinks)
- The size and location of the filling
- Whether you grind or clench your teeth
- Regular dental check-ups and maintenance
While amalgam fillings may last slightly longer (10-15 years), tooth-colored fillings offer significant aesthetic and health benefits that make them the preferred choice for most patients.
Modern composite materials used for tooth-colored fillings are extremely durable and strong. While historically amalgam fillings were considered stronger for large restorations in back teeth, advancements in dental materials have significantly improved the strength of tooth-colored fillings.
Key advantages of tooth-colored fillings include:
- Bonding strength: They chemically bond to the tooth structure, which can actually strengthen the tooth
- Flexibility: They are less likely to cause cracks in the tooth compared to rigid amalgam fillings
- Modern materials: Today's composites are specifically formulated for high-stress areas like molars
For very large restorations, we might recommend other options like inlays or onlays, but for most standard fillings, tooth-colored composites provide excellent durability.
Yes, tooth-colored fillings are an excellent option for replacing old metal (amalgam) fillings. This process is often called "amalgam replacement" or "metal filling replacement."
There are several reasons patients choose to replace metal fillings:
- Aesthetic improvement: Metal fillings are noticeable, especially when you laugh or speak
- Health concerns: Some patients prefer to avoid metals in their mouth
- Cracked fillings: Old fillings can crack or develop decay around the edges
- Tooth damage: Amalgam fillings can sometimes cause cracks in teeth over time
- Sensitivity: Metal fillings can expand and contract with temperature changes, causing sensitivity
The replacement process involves removing the old filling, cleaning the area thoroughly, and placing the new tooth-colored filling. We take special precautions when removing amalgam fillings to ensure patient and staff safety.
The cost of tooth-colored fillings varies depending on several factors:
- Size of the filling: Larger fillings require more material and time
- Location of the tooth: Front teeth typically require more aesthetic precision
- Complexity: Additional procedures like buildup may be needed for extensively damaged teeth
As a general guide at Bourne Dental in Bournemouth:
- Sealents to small fillings: £120 - £160 per tooth
- Medium fillings: £180 - £220 per tooth
- Large fillings: £220 - £280 per tooth
- Amalgam replacement: As above
We believe in transparent pricing and will always provide a detailed treatment plan with costs before beginning any procedure. We also offer:
- Interest-free payment plans for larger treatments
- Practice membership plans that offer discounts on treatments
- Free consultations to discuss options and pricing
While tooth-colored fillings may cost slightly more than amalgam fillings initially, many patients find the aesthetic and health benefits well worth the investment.
Ready for Natural-Looking Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Schedule your consultation with our dental experts in Bournemouth
Call us: 01202 772774 / 07555 568199
Ready to take the next step towards a healthier, more confident smile? Get in touch with our team today.
