In the past, teeth were most commonly repaired with amalgam (silver) fillings or gold restorations. Thanks to advances in modern dental materials and techniques, teeth can be restored with a more aesthetic and natural appearance. There are different types of cosmetic fillings currently available. The type used will depend on the location of the tooth and the amount of tooth structure that needs to be repaired.
The most simple form of 'white filling' is technically calleda Composite.It is made up of a composite quartzresin and usually contains some sort of light sensitive agent.These light cured composites are extremely cosmetic and most oftenbonded into place in one appointment. For this reason, they are often referred to as "bonding". They can be used in both the front of the mouthas well as in your back teeth. These materials come in a variety of shades so that they will match the color of your own teeth. Some of these composite materials have been specifically designed to actually withstand the incredible forces you can exert when chewing on your back teeth.
In order to bond a filling material to your tooth it is firstnecessary to remove decay, prepare the tooth and then to conditionthe enamel and dentin. Once conditioned, a thin resin is appliedwhich bonds to the etched surface. The bond strength of thesefillings is incredible. Today we can bond plastics and even amalgam(silver fillings) to your teeth. Bonding increases the strengthof these restorations far beyond those of only a short time ago.
After placement, composites are hardened by shining an intense lighton them for a specified period of time, usually around 40seconds. Since we tend to look at this light all the time ( manytimes a day) it is necessary for us to protect our eyes from itwith an orange shield. It is not necessary for us to protect youreyes since you look at this light only once in a while. However,it is probably a good idea for you not to look directly into thelight anyway. An ounce of prevention, is indeed, worth a poundof cure!
We are constantly asked the same question, " When can I eat?".Well, after placement, as long as you brought your own food andyou share, you may chew right away. These fillings are instantlyhardened by the light. Your teeth may experience some degree oftemperature sensitivity for a few days to a week. If it does notdisappear within that period of time, contact your dentist.
The other type of 'white filling' is called a Composite orPorcelain Inlay. These fillings are usually placedin back teeth when esthetics is of utmost concern. In order toincrease their strength and longevity, they are fabricated inthe laboratory and then bonded into position in the office. Thisis a two visit procedure rather than the one visit required toplace a composite filling. However, when it comes to strengthand cosmetics, the extra time and expense is well worth it! Ihope that you now understand a little bit more about white fillings.