What are composite white fillings?
At The Dentist at 70 Pitt Street, we know how important dental health is and how it’s an essential part of your overall health care, which is why we use composite resin for most of our fillings. These natural-looking, tooth coloured fillings are not only more aesthetically pleasing than the old metal amalgam fillings, but they also bond to teeth more successfully to keep out bacteria.
So if you need to fill a cavity, or are suffering from tooth decay and are looking to restore your teeth’s strength with natural-looking composite (white) fillings in Sydney, you can contact us today for expert repairs and restorations.
Composite dental fillings are white, tooth coloured fillings that are made from a resin of plastic and glass and used to repair a tooth by closely matching the colour of existing teeth.
They are also bonded directly to your tooth, which helps support the tooth structure and keep out unwanted bacteria.
What are the benefits of
having composite fillings?
There are a number of benefits of having white composite resin fillings:
- Natural-looking results
- Bond more successfully with teeth
- Strong bonding agent
- Keep out unwanted bacteria
- Fill a cavity
- Repair tooth decay
- Reshape a misshapen tooth
- Close small gaps between teeth
- Replace old metal amalgam fillings
Am I the right candidate for a composite filling?
If you are experiencing any of the below symptoms or conditions then you could be the right candidate for composite teeth fillings:
- Toothache
- Holes in your teeth
- Black or brown discolouration on the tooth surface
- Extra sensitivity to hot/cold food or drinks
- Want to replace your metal amalgam fillings
- Fractured/chipped/cracked or broken teeth
- Gaps between your teeth
- Naturally worn teeth
Types of composite fillings
When cosmetic dentistry is required there are a variety of materials that can be used, all of which have unique properties and advantages. Some factors which influence the type of material to be used will be the type of tooth, the strength requirements and the way your teeth bite together. Your dentist will give you advice on what is appropriate for your situation.
Composite resin
This Is a commonly used white or tooth-coloured filling material. It can be “glued” to the surface of the tooth, and a matching tooth colour can be picked so that it is almost invisible. On the other hand, the material is more difficult to use, which makes the restoration a bit more expensive when compared with amalgam.
Glass-ionomer cement
Glass-Ionomer Cement (GIC) is also tooth-coloured; however, it is not as durable and strong as composite resin, although it does bond well to the tooth and has some decay-preventing abilities. Glass-ionomer cement is often used for the areas of the tooth where there is not much biting force, and also to fill baby teeth.
Porcelain
Ceramic fillings are both strong and able to be matched to your tooth colour to produce a very long-lasting and aesthetic finish. Both gold and porcelain fillings take longer to prepare and manufacture, meaning more appointments and more cost.
Temporary fillings
Short-term (‘temporary’) fillings may be used when multiple appointments on a tooth are required, if there is insufficient time to complete the treatment in one visit, or during emergency treatment.
Crowns
Dr. Walsh & Dr. Carroll may restore your tooth with a crown rather than a composite filling. Usually made of gold or porcelain, they’re a customised tooth-shaped cover designed to protect the structure of the tooth, often used where a large hole needs to be replaced but where there’s not enough tooth left to support a composite filling.
What’s involved in getting white composite fillings?
If you choose to have your white dental composite fillings with us, this is what you can expect:
Consultation
At your initial consultation, we’ll take the time to get to know you and let you get to know us, as well as answer any questions you have about your teeth. We’ll make a full assessment of your medical and lifestyle risk from your completed new patient registration and history and finally complete a thorough examination to determine what treatment (if any) you need.
Procedure
After numbing the area around the tooth, we will first remove any decay that’s present, preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. The tooth will then be thoroughly cleaned and prepped for the new white filling. The tooth coloured material will then be applied and precisely shaped and polished to return your tooth to its original shape.
Recovery
As the resin is placed directly into the tooth and sets immediately, you can eat after your visit. Occasionally following treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive to pressure, cold air, sweet foods or changes in temperature for a few days, but this is normal. However on the rare occasion that this persists, let us know so the cause can be investigated.
New Patient Offer
1st Visit comprehensive Examination,
Check-up, Teeth Cleaning for New Patients
- Pay Only $300 (regular price: $486)
- Comprehensive Oral Examination and Consult ($65)
- 2x bite-wing x-rays ($42 each)
- 1x Dental Panoramic OPG x-ray ($100)
- Comprehensive Scale & Clean ($210)
- Fluoride treatment ($27)
How much do composite fillings cost in Sydney?
Our white Fillings cost approximately $270 – $350. However, we recommend coming into the clinic for a consultation so we can provide you with a more accurate quote. If you have a private health fund they will pay part of your treatment and we can process this for you at the time so you will only have to pay the difference.
We also now have a direct debit option available to our existing clients. To discuss, please contact our Practice Manager on (02) 9233 3399. The payment plans are interest-free.
Meet Our Team
Click on the links below to find out more information about our team of experts:
Dr. Catherine-Anne Walsh
Dentist
Christine
Fischer-Stoess
Hygienist
Dr. Yvonne Chow
Dentist - Sedation
FAQs
Below you can find our most frequently asked questions about white composite fillings:
We guarantee our white fillings will last for a minimum of five years.
Constant wear and tear can cause composite teeth fillings to wear, chip or crack, opening the seal between the tooth and the filling, allowing food particles and decay-causing bacteria to cause problems. However, if you're seeing our team regularly, they'll look after this before it becomes serious.
If you have amalgam fillings, you can replace them with white fillings but it’s not essential. However these days most people prefer to have white fillings that closely resemble their natural teeth compared to the older metal fillings.
Alternatives such as crowns, inlays and veneers can be used but these typically cost a lot more than white fillings.
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that create a sticky layer called plaque over your teeth, which damages the surface of your teeth over time.
A composite filling is placed in your tooth in layers which are gradually built up to fill the hole caused by tooth decay. Ultraviolet light is often used to harden each layer, in order to speed up the process.
Composite fillings are very durable and last at least 5 years but have been known to last for as long as 10+ years in some cases.
Composite fillings are considered very safe. However any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks and so before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Book an appointment today and save $177 on your first visit
Why choose us for
your dental composite procedure?
Here at The Dentist at 70 Pitt Street, our philosophy is simple…we’re looking to build long-lasting relationships with our patients.
We care about your dental health and know it’s an essential part of your overall health care, not a frivolous luxury and just because it’s important, it doesn’t mean it can’t be both a pleasant and an affordable experience.