White fillings can transform your teeth by getting rid of ugly black fillings and letting your natural tooth shine through. They can also be used to reshape teeth or close small gaps as cosmetic bondings.
Today’s white fillings offer an advanced solution for repairing and enhancing your smile. At Seapoint Clinic, we specialise in replacing old metal fillings with natural-looking composites that are virtually undetectable. Our experienced team uses the latest materials and techniques to not only restore damaged teeth but also reshape and refine your smile through artistic cosmetic bonding.
Whether you’re looking to replace existing metal fillings, repair new cavities, or enhance the appearance of your teeth, white fillings provide a versatile solution that combines durability with aesthetic excellence. The composite material we use is carefully selected and colour-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, ensuring results that look completely natural.
Fillings are one of the most common methods of restoring teeth. They usually fill a hole in the tooth that has been caused by decay, playing an important role in helping us to keep a tooth for many more years.
White fillings are only suitable where there is enough tooth structure left to support them. Where a tooth has a large old filling, and you would like it replaced with a white material, it is usually more reliable to get a porcelain onlay. This is a custom-made block of porcelain that fits your tooth perfectly. White fillings are unsuitable where large cavities in the tooth are present.
Bondings are most suitable for small gaps between teeth less than 2mm wide. They are also helpful for slightly crooked or misshapen teeth. In these situations, they can be a very gentle and fast way of dramatically improving your smile.
Typically, bondings only last for a few years as they are just bonded to the tooth. How long they last depends on how hard you chew or grind your teeth. Sometimes people will get veneers if they are looking for a longer-term solution or to address larger gaps or changes to their smile.
If you have a large filling in your tooth or old leaky metal fillings, you are probably a good candidate for single-visit crowns/inlays. These can provide beautiful, lasting restorations for your teeth, which can look just like the original in only one visit. They are much stronger than regular fillings as they are milled from a solid block of porcelain using CAD/CAM technology.
We use the most effective, modern, tooth-coloured materials. Unlike the more traditional grey amalgam fillings, the tooth-coloured ones look very natural, so no one will be able to tell you to have them. We employ the most gentle and comfortable anaesthetic techniques, as well as the strongest and most effective anaesthetics.
We always ensure that throughout every visit with us, you can be completely comfortable from start to finish. When the decay has been removed, the tooth is then filled. For tooth-coloured fillings, the material is placed into the holes in the layers, and a special light is shone on each layer to speed up the setting process.
We will then shape the filling so that it looks as realistic as possible and so it does not interfere with the way your teeth meet when you bite and chew. It will feel smooth and should be comfortable immediately.
Our expert team of dentists have compiled a Cosmetic Dentistry Guide, you can receive your copy FREE by entering your details below.
Yes! All the fillings we do at Seapoint Clinic are Mercury Free. We can also remove mercury fillings safely for you if you are unhappy with the appearance of them.
White fillings, also known as composite fillings, are made from a mixture of composite resins and ceramic particles. This modern material is specially designed to match the colour and texture of your natural teeth, making them virtually invisible once placed.
With proper care and maintenance, white fillings typically last between 7-10 years. However, their longevity depends on various factors, including the size of the filling, its location in your mouth, and your oral hygiene habits.
Modern white-filling materials have significantly improved over the years. Today’s composites are highly durable and can withstand the forces of daily chewing, especially in smaller to medium-sized cavities. For very large cavities in back teeth, your dentist might recommend alternative options.
No. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, ensuring you’re comfortable throughout. Most patients report no pain during the treatment and minimal sensitivity afterwards.
A typical white filling procedure takes between 20-40 minutes per tooth, depending on the size and location of the cavity. The process involves removing any decay, preparing the tooth, and carefully layering the composite material.
Yes, you can eat normally once the local anaesthetic wears off. However, it’s best to wait at least 24 hours before consuming very hard foods or anything extremely hot or cold, as your tooth may be slightly sensitive.
Yes, metal fillings can be replaced with white fillings if desired. Many patients choose to do this for aesthetic reasons or to eliminate mercury-containing materials from their mouths.
While white fillings are versatile, they may not be the best choice for every situation. White fillings are not as strong and so are only suitable for small cavities where the tooth is still strong. In some cases, Cerec inlays/crowns are the best option.
No, white fillings are specifically matched to the colour of your natural teeth. Our skilled dentists use a shade guide to ensure the filling blends seamlessly with your surrounding tooth structure, making it virtually invisible.
White fillings require the same care as your natural teeth: regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Avoiding excessive consumption of staining foods and beverages (like coffee, tea, and red wine) can help maintain their appearance.
Minimal aftercare is needed. You may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days after the procedure, which is normal. If sensitivity persists beyond a week, contact your dentist for a check-up. We recommend fluoride varnish be applied around the margins of your teeth by the hygienist at your maintenance appointments. This helps to reduce the risk of future decay.
Yes, white fillings are completely safe and have been used successfully for many years. They contain no mercury or other potentially harmful materials, making them an excellent choice for both health and aesthetic reasons. .The amount of BPA exposure from composite fillings is generally considered negligible and is much lower compared to other common sources, such as food and beverage containers.
At Seapoint Clinic, we use only the highest quality composite materials and advanced techniques to ensure optimal results. Our experienced dentists are skilled in the artistic aspects of matching and shaping white fillings to create natural-looking results that enhance your smile.
Just had a composite filling at Seapoint Clinic? Our easy-to-follow aftercare guide includes
everything you need to know to keep your restoration comfortable, long-lasting, and looking
great. Learn how to manage sensitivity, what to avoid in the first 48 hours, and how to protect
your smile with long-term care tips. Ideal for ensuring your fillings stay strong, clean, and pain-free.
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We’re here to answer your questions and help you begin your journey to a healthier, more confident smile. Reach out to our friendly team at our Blackrock or Sandyford locations.
