Although amalgam fillings are still very prominent in the cosmetic dentistry industry, white fillings are the way to go if you’re after a more natural look. Made from tooth-coloured materials they offer a more seamless finish. There are two kinds of white fillings: composite resin and ceramic.
Composite resin consists of a tooth-coloured paste, which is then applied in layers on the tooth and then carefully sculpted to the shape of the tooth, it is then hardened and cured with a special light. Composite resin is ideal for correcting small blemishes and can be achieved in a single appointment. Ceramic fillings require an additional appointment and the procedure is similar to that of a dental crown. Ceramic fillings require a more detailed treatment process and the filling is created in a lab.
Caring for Your Fillings
White fillings are commonly used for restoring strength and structure to a tooth after treating a cavity. Treating cavities involve removing the worn-down parts of the affected tooth, restoring dental health, but leaving the tooth as is may result in more decay, which is why fillings are necessary.
Here are some tips on how to care for your white fillings to ensure a lasting, Brite smile!
Daily Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing on a regular basis is not just for those with white fillings – it’s essential for everyone’s oral hygiene. Angle your brush slightly upwards and brush your teeth in a circular motion for at least two minutes, twice a day, this helps remove food remnants along the gumline and the teeth. Make sure to give some extra TLC to the area near fillings. Flossing removes food remnants from between teeth that brushing simply cannot reach. Guide your floss up and down between the gaps of your teeth to remove any build-up of debris.
Dietary Considerations
Adapting a soft diet for 24- 48 hours after getting a filling is ideal, this ensures your filling does not stain and is completely hardened before ingesting solid food. Refrain from consuming very hot and cold food and beverages after the procedure to prevent the filling and tooth from getting fractured or dislodged. Avoiding dark and highly-coloured food is also a good measure as they can cause staining while the filling fully hardens.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Over time, fillings can chip or loosen which can lead to bacteria piling up if it is not regularly checked by a dental professional. Routine check-ups allow your dentist to check if your fillings are still in good condition, fix any possible issues and assess if your filling needs any more treatment to avoid infections. Regular dental check-ups are essential for overall dental health and ensure any problems are fixed before they require extensive or invasive treatment.
What to Avoid
When it comes to a diet with white fillings some foods should be avoided after treatment and ideally in the long-term:
● Hard foods such as nuts, candy, chips
● Hard and crunchy fruits such as apples and pears – enjoy these fruits cut up into small bite-sized pieces instead of whole
● Chewy foods such as jerkies, pizza crusts, chewy lollies
● Sticky foods such as caramel, gum, dried fruits
Habits such as smoking (including e-cigarettes and vapes) are not only damaging to your overall and oral health they also exacerbate the risk of highly damaging decay on your fillings.
Conclusion
There are numerous steps to ensure the longevity of your white fillings. Above are simple tips you can incorporate into your everyday routine to care for your white fillings. Proper maintenance and care of your fillings are essential for long-lasting oral health. Find out more about white fillings at Brite Dental and our other cosmetic dentistry services here.
