Cannon Street Dental & Implant Centre
Lower Ground, 6 Dowgate Hill, London, EC4R 2SU
Lower Ground, 6 Dowgate Hill, London, EC4R 2SU
Did you know that the average person in the UK will need at least one dental filling during their lifetime? According to recent data from the Adult Oral Health Survey, about 90% of UK adults have had at least one dental filling by middle age.
This means most of us will face the choice between silver fillings vs white fillings at some point. What are the cost implications? Does it matter where the filling is? How long do they last?
While both options restore damaged teeth effectively, understanding their differences can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your priorities and lifestyle.
Silver fillings, technically called amalgam fillings, have been the dental industry’s workhorse for over 150 years. These durable restorations combine silver, tin, copper, and mercury to create an incredibly strong material that withstands the intense forces of chewing.
Dentists often recommend silver fillings for back teeth like molars because they handle pressure exceptionally well. They’re also cost-effective and quick to place, making them an attractive option for patients on a budget. The placement process is straightforward, and these fillings can last 10-15 years with proper care.
However, silver fillings come with notable drawbacks. Their metallic appearance makes them highly visible, especially when you laugh or speak. Over time, they can cause grey discoloration in the surrounding tooth structure, creating an unsightly shadow effect that’s difficult to reverse.
White fillings, made from composite resin, represent modern dentistry’s answer to aesthetic concerns. This tooth-colored material blends plastic polymers with fine glass particles to create a restoration that virtually disappears once placed.
The composite material bonds directly to your tooth structure, creating a strong mechanical connection. This bonding process actually strengthens the remaining tooth, reducing the risk of future fractures. Unlike amalgam, composite fillings require minimal tooth removal, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
White fillings excel at restoring front teeth and any visible areas of your smile. They’re also versatile enough to repair chipped or broken teeth, making them a popular choice for both functional and cosmetic dental work.
The advantages of white fillings extend far beyond their natural appearance. Here’s why many patients and dentists prefer them:
Aesthetic Excellence: White fillings match your natural tooth colour so precisely that even dental professionals sometimes struggle to spot them. This invisibility factor makes them perfect for front teeth and any area that shows when you smile.
Conservative Treatment: The bonding process requires less tooth removal compared to amalgam preparations. This conservative approach preserves more of your healthy tooth structure, which is always preferable for long-term oral health.
Mercury-Free Composition: While dental amalgam is considered safe by major health organisations, some patients prefer avoiding mercury altogether. White fillings eliminate this concern entirely.
Immediate Functionality: Thanks to light-curing technology, white fillings harden instantly under a special blue light. This means you can return to normal eating habits much sooner than with other filling materials.
White fillings typically last 5-7 years, though this varies based on several factors. The size and location of the filling play significant roles in longevity. Small fillings on front teeth often last longer than large restorations on molars that endure heavy chewing forces.
Your oral hygiene habits directly impact the lifespan of your fillings. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings help prevent decay around the filling edges. Diet also matters – frequently consuming sugary or acidic foods and drinks can weaken the filling material over time.
Modern composite materials have improved enormously in recent years. Today’s white fillings are stronger and more durable than earlier versions, closing the longevity gap with silver fillings considerably.
Yes, you can typically eat 1-2 hours after receiving a white filling. The composite material hardens immediately under the curing light, but your mouth may remain numb from the local anaesthetic for several hours.
Start with soft foods and avoid extremely hot or cold items until the numbness wears off completely. This prevents accidental biting of your tongue, cheek, or lip. Once the anaesthetic effects subside, you can resume your normal diet without restrictions.
Some patients experience mild sensitivity for a few days after placement, which is completely normal. This sensitivity usually resolves on its own as your tooth adjusts to the new restoration.
The City of London offers numerous excellent options for white filling treatments. Many dental practices in the city specialise in cosmetic dentistry and use the latest composite materials and techniques.
Look for practices that invest in modern equipment and continuing education for their staff. The best results come from dentists who understand colour matching and have experience with aesthetic restorations. For those looking for expert white filling treatments in London, Cannon Street Dental Centre offers high-quality white fillings tailored to your needs.
The decision between silver fillings vs white fillings ultimately depends on your individual circumstances and priorities. Location matters significantly – front teeth almost always benefit from white fillings, while back teeth can accommodate either option effectively.
Budget considerations play a role, too. Silver fillings cost less initially, but white fillings may provide better value over time by preserving more tooth structure. Consider your lifestyle and dietary habits as well. If you grind your teeth, for example, silver fillings may withstand the abuse better.
Health concerns and personal preferences also influence the decision. Some patients strongly prefer mercury-free options, while others prioritise maximum durability above all else. Your dentist can help weigh these factors based on your specific situation.
Read: Restore Confidence with Porcelain Veneers in London
The silver filling vs white filling debate doesn’t have a universal answer, but it does have a personal one for each patient. Modern white fillings offer compelling advantages in aesthetics, tooth preservation, and patient comfort that make them the preferred choice for many situations. They’ve evolved from purely cosmetic alternatives to genuinely functional restorations that rival traditional materials.
Your smile deserves the best care possible, and choosing the right filling material is an important step in maintaining your oral health and confidence. The statistics we discussed at the beginning remind us that dental work is inevitable for most of us, but the choices we make can significantly impact our long-term satisfaction. Whether you prioritise durability, aesthetics, or tooth preservation, consulting with experienced dental professionals helps identify the solution that best serves your needs and goals.
Contact our friendly team for more information.
020 8075 7106