Silver Fillings and White Fillings

Even though we all try to take care of our teeth, cavities are a sad fact of life for most of us. Almost everyone will require a cavity filling at some point, and our Westlake dentist is ready to help you choose the best course of treatment for your cavities.

When it comes to fillings, today’s patients have options. For many years, the only filling materials used were silver amalgams. There was a good reason to use silver—it is extremely durable and long-lasting, and is impervious to bacteria and other deteriorating agents. Silver fillings can be used for a variety of cavity types, especially those in the back of the mouth where more durability is required and there is less of a concern about appearance. Even though scientifically acceptable, silver fillings are hardly used these days.

On the other hand, there are times when you want a cavity filled which will be visible when you talk or smile. For these cases, a white filling may be more appropriate. New technology has allowed cosmetic dentistry to create fillings which match your teeth in color and texture, making fillings virtually invisible. Many people prefer white fillings to silver for front teeth for cosmetic reasons. White fillings are made of durable materials which can be tinted to match your existing tooth color.

If you require restorations to your teeth, white fillings may be the answer. Our cosmetic dentist in Westlake can give you restorative treatments for your teeth using white fillings and other treatments available.

 

Source: Dr. Philip Shindler, Dentist Westlake Village

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