Composite Fillings

As well as providing an effective repair for tooth decay or damage, white (or composite) fillings offer a natural-looking alternative to more obvious amalgam ones, as they are made from a tooth-coloured resin which blends in with your teeth.

They support the structure of a damaged tooth, helping to prevent further breakage and sensitivity and can be placed on the front or back teeth.

Treatment steps

• The area to be treated is numbed with a local anaesthetic and the decayed area of tooth removed.
• The colour-matched shade of composite is applied in layers.
• Each layer is hardened with a special bright light and the resin shaped to provide a functional restoration.

Although often considered to be a less durable method for filling teeth, composite fillings do have more aesthetic appeal and are now made from modern materials which offer improved durability. Their life expectancy will depend on the depth of the cavity to be filled and its position in the mouth.
 

Amalgam Fillings

Decayed or damaged teeth can be successfully repaired with amalgam fillings – a safe, cost-effective method that restores a tooth’s shape and functionality in a very durable way.

Amalgam fillings have been used for over 150 years and are made of a combination of metals including silver, tin, copper and mercury. The inclusion of mercury has caused some controversy but numerous scientific studies have dismissed any link between its use and any adverse health effects. Amalgam fillings are also inexpensive, durable and quicker to place than other types of fillings.

However, amalgam fillings are not recommended for pregnant women or suitable for those people who have an allergy to the metals in the amalgam. In these cases, or if you would prefer a less obvious restoration, composite (white) fillings can be used.

Treatment steps

• If necessary, a local anaesthetic is used to numb the area.
• The decayed part of the tooth is removed and the cavity cleaned.
• The amalgam is placed inside the tooth and shaped to fit.

Composite bonding

This quick, drill-less technique uses a composite resin to help restore chipped, misshapen or gappy teeth. A great alternative to more costly crowns, veneers or braces, it offers cosmetic benefits without affecting the health of your teeth.

Treatment steps

• We pick the shade of composite that best matches your teeth.

We may not need to see you every six months, but your dentists will let you know when you need to come back for your next check-up.

Crowns

Crowns fit neatly over unsightly or broken teeth, providing complete coverage and restoring strength, shape and appearance. They offer an aesthetic restoration for broken, decayed or discoloured teeth, or those with large fillings.

Made from porcelain, ceramic or metal alloys, crowns can also be used on teeth that have had root canal treatment or secured to dental implants to replace missing teeth. They are matched in size, shape and colour to sit comfortably alongside existing teeth.

Treatment steps

• A layer of enamel is removed from the tooth to accommodate the crown.
• Impressions of the prepared tooth are taken and the shade of the natural teeth is recorded so the crown can be made to fit perfectly.
• To protect the tooth between appointments, it will be covered with a temporary crown.
• When ready, this temporary crown is removed and the new permanent one fixed in place with a strong dental cement.

As long as crowns are looked after carefully, by avoiding very hard foods and thoroughly cleaning teeth, they offer a natural looking restoration that can last for years.