Cosmetic fillings

Tooth coloured fillings have been used for a very long time but in the early years were only for front teeth. During the last 30 years materials have been developed for use in side and back teeth as well.

The latest materials are very strong, wear resistant and last many years. They are held in place by an adhesive bonding system. This also means that the margins are sealed and resist the penetration of bacterial decay, which can happen very easily when old metal ('silver') fillings chip away at their edges. These tooth coloured materials are suitable for both front and back teeth.

They are supplied in several shades and can be made to blend in with the natural tooth giving an excellent cosmetic effect. Large areas of tooth can be rebuilt with them as shown below.

This upper molar was very heavily filled. Part of the remaining tooth had broken away. The edges of the filling were chipping off as well. All the filling and the decay underneath was removed.	The tooth was rebuilt using layers of tooth coloured material to give a very good appearance.

Even if they wear down eventually they can be repaired, or even used as a base ('core') for a crown.