What are they?
White fillings are tooth coloured fillings that stick to the teeth with the use of a bonding agent or chemical glue. A filling replaces part of a tooth that has been lost because of decay or accidental damage.

What will my dentist do?

• normally give you a local anaesthetic to numb the area;
• remove any decay;
• remove some or all of an old filling;
• wash and dry the tooth by blowing water and then air onto it (the dentist will be holding something which looks like a water pistol);
• put the filling material into or onto the tooth and shape it
• harden the filling by pointing a bright light at it, inside your mouth (you will see the dentist and dental nurse protecting their eyes); and
• trim and polish the filling.

What are the benefits?
White fillings are matched to your tooth colour so look more natural.

They are glued to the teeth so healthy tooth tissue doesn’t need to be removed to keep them in position.

They can be used to remodel worn or chipped teeth without any tooth preparation.

They are not as strong as metal fillings and need very dry conditions when placing them so may not be suitable for all back teeth. Your dentist will be able to help you make a decision about which filling material is best for you.