All White, Day or Night: A Clear Guide to Modern White Fillings

Spring is here! The clocks are soon to ‘Spring forward’, bringing lighter nights and longer days thank goodness!

With brighter days often comes a little more self-awareness too. The changing light can reveal things we’ve not noticed over winter, from our windows to our skin, eyes and smiles.

One of the most common things patients mention to us is feeling self-conscious about silver fillings showing when they laugh or speak. If that sounds familiar, you’re certainly not alone. Making it very timely for me to share the good news that dentistry has moved on significantly in recent years.

Goodbye, Mercury Fillings

At Crossbank Dental Care, we’re always looking at how we can deliver the best possible care for our patients: clinically, ethically and responsibly.

In what is now part of a much wider shift across dentistry, traditional amalgam (silver-coloured) fillings, which have been used safely for many years, are now being phased down. Amalgam fillings do contain small amounts of mercury, which is leading to a gradual shift away from their use, particularly for children and for pregnant or breastfeeding patients.

This change has gathered pace in recent years, with growing guidance supporting an overall reduction in their use wherever suitable alternatives are available.

Hello, Natural White

Advances in modern dentistry now mean we can offer high-quality white (composite) fillings that support health, performance, appearance and the environment.

White composite fillings are carefully designed to:

• Blend naturally with your teeth, so your smile looks like your own

• Provide strength and durability for everyday use

• Preserve more of your natural tooth structure

• Offer a mercury-free alternative

• Support long-term oral health

  
  

When placed with care and precision, white fillings can deliver excellent, long-lasting results.

It’s also important to say that existing silver fillings do not usually need to be removed unless there is a clinical reason to do so. However, if their appearance concerns you, or you would prefer a mercury-free option, we’re always happy to talk through your choices.

A More Sustainable Approach

The move away from amalgam is not only about aesthetics, it also reflects a wider environmental responsibility.

Mercury from dental materials can enter water systems and the wider environment through waste and other processes. At Crossbank Dental Care we are delighted to be part of the global effort to reduce the use of mercury in order to protect ecosystems, wildlife and public health.

From January 2025, the general use of amalgam fillings has been banned across the EU, with limited medical exceptions. While the UK is outside this legislation, we actively support the move towards safer, more sustainable alternatives wherever appropriate.

Feeling-Good Fillings at Crossbank Dental Care

We have invested time and resources in ensuring our clinicians have the skill, experience and time needed to place high-quality white fillings and restorations.

As part of this commitment, our team continues to develop their skills through advanced training, helping us deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results for our patients. Recently our highly skilled Dental Therapists Helen, Linda and Liz, successfully completed their Post-Graduate Diploma in Restorative & Aesthetic Dentistry! Through this they have gained experience in advanced techniques from occlusion to complex direct composites, enabling them to deliver high-quality, predictable and aesthetic results for patients, 

Of course, the best filling is the one you never need. Preventative care remains at the heart of what we do, which is why we’re so passionate about promoting good oral health, particularly for children, through our work in schools, nurseries and the wider community.

If you’re unsure about your fillings, or simply want an honest, pressure-free conversation about your options (or a visit from our Tooth Fairy!) don't hesitate to get in touch.

Wishing you bright sunshine and a confident smile!

Bex x