White Fillings Calgary Downtown

With the rise in popularity of white fillings versus traditional amalgam fillings, many people are sometimes skeptical about the longevity of white fillings.

Not everyone has warmed up to the concept that white fillings can offer similar function of silver or metal fillings while lasting for many years — and without the risk of dangerous mercury exposure.

At Dentalife, we take a holistic approach to treating patients with white fillings in Calgary, Downtown.

This means that we see the patient and their oral health as a whole system, understanding that there are many factors that can impact the lifespan and the health of your white fillings.

With this approach applied, white fillings can last up to 12 years, depending on:

You've probably heard this a million times at this point but there's merit in repeating the importance of brushing your teeth twice a day for 2 full minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Set a timer, play a song, do what you need to do to ensure you clock those 2 minutes!

Most of us stay as far away from the dentist as possible until it's urgent or necessary. The point of cleanings is to help prevent you from being in that situation in the first place. Cleanings every 6 months can promote amazing dental health and keep your fillings in great shape!

Raise your hand if you've ever used your teeth to rip open a package, unscrew a bottle cap or break one of those tricky plastic hoops the tag of your new shirt is attached to. This is a no-judgment zone. We've all been there. Just make an effort to NOT do that! White fillings or not, this can be really hard on your teeth.

We have another old adage coming your way. For the sake of your teeth, keep the sugar intake moderate to prevent decay and more cavities. Plus, avoid exerting heavy pressure on hard foods, especially with your teeth that have white fillings. This can not only crack your filling but potentially your whole tooth.

Life happens. And with that, accidents are bound to happen too. However, there are preventative measures you can take to protect your teeth and your dental work.

If you're an athlete, we highly recommend getting a custom-fitted sports guard. If you're prone to grinding and clenching during the day or at night, you can get an orthodontic device to protect your teeth and your jaw.

As part of our treatment of white fillings in Calgary, downtown, we ensure to provide our patients with clear and easy-to-follow aftercare instructions. Don't hesitate to reach out to learn more about if white fillings are the solution for you!

The idea of getting a cavity fills many people with dread. Dental fear leads many to avoid seeing their dentist in the first place.

We get it—having dental work done is not everyone’s idea of a great day. However, getting the work done right away will save a lot of heartaches (and toothaches) in the long run.

Making the Mouth, Body, Life Connection: What you need to know about cavities and filling options

Some people are able to recognize when they have a cavity—they experience sensitivity to sweet foods, they feel a gap in a tooth, or they see a stain on a tooth. But many people never know a cavity is lurking under the surface of a tooth, or has come back to sit around an old filling.

Cavities do not cause pain till they are so big that they affect the live part of the tooth called the pulp tissue in the middle of the tooth. By then, it is too late to just do a filling. 

Anticipating this discomfort can be emotionally stressful. Worrying about the dental procedure and cost can also be disheartening.

This is just one reason why we encourage patients to have regular dental check-ups to find cavities when they are small. 

Filling options

Thankfully, there are options. These include white and gold fillings.

• White fillings made from a composite plastic.
• White porcelain restorations made at a dental laboratory then bonded into the tooth
• A gold fillings made at a dental laboratory and then cemented into the tooth. 

Today, many people are also choosing plastic and porcelain restorations to restore their teeth. By replacing your mercury fillings with plastic or porcelain restorations, we try to restore your tooth’s natural strength, and the natural colour of your teeth at the same time.

No filling material is perfect, so be sure to ask about the difference between your restorative choices.

Porcelain white fillings vs. plastic white fillingsPlastic

• Tooth coloured
• Bonded to teeth
• Up to 75 percent of tooth’s strength
• More porous and possibly weaker than your own tooth
• Shorter term longevity in some cases of excessive wear

Porcelain

• Tooth coloured
• Bonded to teeth
• Newer porcelain materials can be stronger than actual tooth enamel
• Very dense and non-porous
• Often a longer term option in larger restorative situations

Choose mercury free

We understand that hearing that you have decay and need a filling can be annoying and even heartbreaking. We encourage you to visit us right away to prevent further damage. Whether you suspect that you need a filling or want to prevent future fillings, we can help.

Are you looking for a dentist who will take the time to listen to your cares and concerns? We are happy to answer whatever dental questions you have. Please call us at 403 262-9898 today or book an appointment with your direct billing dentist office, today.

Is it worth getting white fillings?

Silver fillings can be harmful to your health because:

• Historically popular silver fillings usually contain a mercury content of 50%.
• Mercury is a very dangerous and poisonous substance. It is known to cause neurological problems, kidney troubles, insomnia, headaches and respiratory failure.
• Having mercury in your mouth in the form of a filling puts you at great risk and almost definite certainty of consuming it.
• The maximum amount of "safe" mercury consumption or absorption into the human body is an ongoing, controversial and uncertain topic of research.

In September 2020, the FDA released a statement listing high-risk groups of people who should avoid mercury amalgam (or silver) fillings. Word for word, this includes:

• Pregnant women and their developing fetuses.
• Women who are planning to become pregnant.
• Nursing women and their newborns and infants.
• Children, especially those younger than six years of age.
• People with pre-existing neurological disease such as Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. 
• People with impaired kidney function.
• People with known heightened sensitivity (allergy) to mercury or other components of dental amalgam.

The high-risk of mercury exposure creates a compelling reason why white fillings can be absolutely worth getting

Are white fillings

better than silver? 

There are many advantages to white fillings that you normally can't get with silver fillings, foe example:

• They are tooth-coloured and blend in better with your smile. Just like with dental crowns or veneers, you can even get fillings that match your exact tooth shade!
• The material they are made of does not typically expand or contract like mercury fillings, helping boost their durability and longevity.
• They give your teeth more strength and support.
• White fillings are mercury-free, reducing your risk of exposure to damaging properties.
• They're less likely to be sensitive to hot and cold foods or sensations, as mercury fillings are known to be.

Based on the growing concern and health risks affiliated with silver/mercury amalgam fillings, white fillings are becoming a more popular and preferred solution to healing a cavity.