What are white fillings?

White filling material (also called composite) is a complex plastic designed to match the colour and feel of your natural teeth. Compared to porcelain, it has the advantage of being a lower investment and requiring minimal removal of healthy tooth tissue. It works really well for replacing small portions of tooth tissue and can be used to slightly change the shape of teeth.

The main disadvantage of white filling material is that it does not look quite as natural as porcelain. Because it is applied directly to your teeth in layers by the dentist, it is harder to control colour and shape as effectively. When used to replace larger portions of teeth it has a tendency to chip and stain and will not last as long as porcelain.

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Our results

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Before treatment
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After treatment

Compared to porcelain restorations

Crowns and onlays are normally made of porcelain, a ceramic material which can create incredibly natural looking repairs, giving a more aesthetic appearance than white filling material.

Porcelain restorations are created outside of the mouth before being fixed into place, giving far greater control over the colour, shape and position. Porcelain is likely to last longer than white filling material and is resistant to chips and staining over time, but it is a larger investment and can be more destructive to the underlying tooth tissue.

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Appointments

  1. Book a new patient preventative dental health check.
  2. Let us assess the condition of your teeth.
  3. Let us provide seamless repairs to your teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is white filling material?

    White filling material (also called composite) is a complex plastic designed to match the colour and feel of your natural teeth.

  • How does white filling material compare to porcelain?

    Compared to porcelain, it has the advantage of being a lower investment and requiring minimal removal of healthy tooth tissue. It works really well for replacing small portions of tooth tissue and can be used to slightly change the shape of teeth.

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Welcoming new patients

We would love to invite you to our practice for aesthetic treatments, advanced treatments, or the highest quality routine family dentistry.

27 Western Terrace,
Falmouth, TR11 4QL

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