The dentists at Harley Street Dental Clinic offer a number of ways to replace old metal amalgam fillings, to give you a smile that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Once upon a time, metal amalgam was the only option for patients whose teeth needed to be filled. Nowadays, however, there are modern cosmetic alternatives aplenty.
Of course, a dentist will always prefer not to have to provide any fillings at all. The team at Harley Street Dental Clinic is committed to preventative dentistry – stopping problems before they start with a combination of regular visits to the dentist and hygienist, a good diet and a strong oral health routine at home. However, when the need for fillings does arise, it is now possible to use white or tooth-coloured composite material anywhere in the mouth.
Your dentist will select a colour of composite material that closely matches the natural shade of your teeth, meaning that your fillings will be unnoticeable to the untrained eye in everyday life.
It is worth bearing in mind that teeth whitening procedures do not work on composite filling material, so you should talk to your dentist first if you are considering having whitening treatment.
We offer the option of replacing old metal amalgam fillings with white fillings at our Harley Street clinic. This is a simple procedure carried out under local anaesthetic. Your dentist will remove your old metal filling, along with any additional areas of decay, and place a tooth-coloured filling in its place.
For larger cavities, particularly in back teeth where extra strength is needed, a tooth-coloured inlay or onlay may be recommended. If you have a badly damaged tooth, or one that has undergone root canal treatment, your clinician may use a crown. These can be made from a range of materials, and will be matched to the natural colour of your teeth.