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.

The second tooth shown, a lower molar, had a large decayed cavity in it.	The decay was removed, a lining material placed followed by a tooth coloured filling. Again, a very natural effect was obtained.

The next case was for an elderly lady where there was considerable tooth loss and discoloured existing fillings. She wanted these replaced and the space between the teeth closed.

This shows the two upper front teeth at the start of the procedure.	The completed work. Different shades of material were used to match the adjacent denture teeth and relate to the patient's age.

The fillings are built up in stages. A lining first, followed by the adhesive and the filling material itself in layers. More than one shade may be used to create the best cosmetic effect. Each of these stages is cured using a very bright light. The filling is then contoured to resemble the original tooth shape as near as possible and the surface polished with a diamond paste.

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