Bonded
Chemically attached to the tooth, which supports what is left.
In one paragraph
What it is.
White fillings are composite resin: a tooth-coloured material bonded chemically to the tooth. Because it bonds, it supports the remaining tooth rather than simply filling a hole, and less healthy tooth needs removing to hold it in.
We place composite as standard. We do not remove sound amalgam fillings that are doing their job — replacing a working filling removes more tooth for no benefit.
The specifics.
Conservative
Less healthy tooth removed than an amalgam needs.
Shade matched
To the tooth it is in, not to a generic white.
One visit
Placed, cured and polished in the same appointment.
Replacing amalgam
Only for a reason: decay underneath, a crack, or a failing margin.
Limits
Very large cavities are better served by an onlay or a crown.
Money
What it costs.
You get an itemised written estimate before anything starts. We bill your insurance directly, so you usually pay only your own portion on the day, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan is accepted. In-house financing is available through PaySpyre, so treatment can be paid for over time.
Questions.
Should I replace my old silver fillings?
Not on appearance alone. Replacing a sound, functioning filling removes more tooth structure for no clinical gain. We replace them when there is decay underneath, a crack, or a failing edge.
Do white fillings last as long as amalgam?
In small and moderate cavities, comparably. In very large cavities in back teeth an onlay or crown outlasts either.
Will it stain?
Composite can pick up surface stain over years, particularly with coffee, tea and smoking. Polishing at a hygiene visit usually deals with it.
Is it more expensive?
Modestly, and it is what we place as standard.