Fillings that disappear into your smile
A filling shouldn't announce itself every time you laugh. At The Warm Smile we restore teeth with tooth-coloured composite and ceramic - matched to your enamel so the repair blends invisibly - placed by a team whose specialty is making dental work look like it never happened.
Signs you might need a filling
- Sensitivity to sweet, hot or cold that lingers
- A visible dark spot, hole or rough edge you can feel with your tongue
- Food repeatedly catching between the same teeth
- A twinge when biting down
Decay caught early means a smaller filling - and sometimes none at all. If you're unsure, a check-up settles it.
How dental fillings work
- Numbing - the tooth is anaesthetised so the procedure is comfortable from start to finish.
- Removal of decay - the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is removed, leaving a clean, healthy surface.
- Layered restoration - the colour-matched material is placed and shaped to restore the natural contour of the tooth, then set firm.
- Bite check and polish - we fine-tune the shape until your bite feels completely natural, then polish to an enamel-like finish.
Types of fillings we offer
Composite fillings
Made of tooth-coloured resin, composite fillings blend seamlessly with the natural tooth colour - a discreet and aesthetic solution, placed in a single visit.
Porcelain or ceramic fillings
These tooth-coloured fillings offer excellent durability and are a popular choice for visible teeth or larger restorations, thanks to their strength and natural appearance.
Benefits of dental fillings
- Restored tooth structure - strength restored, preventing further damage or decay.
- Improved functionality - proper biting and chewing again.
- Aesthetic enhancement - tooth-coloured fillings blend seamlessly with natural teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Do fillings hurt?
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic first, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure - most patients describe pressure at most. Any post-visit tenderness typically settles quickly.
How long do fillings last?
It varies with the material, the size of the filling and your habits - well-placed composite fillings commonly serve for many years, and ceramic longer still. Regular check-ups let us monitor your fillings and refresh them before problems develop.
Can I eat straight after a filling?
Modern composite fillings are set hard before you leave the chair. The main caution is the anaesthetic: wait until the numbness fades before chewing, so you don't accidentally bite your cheek or tongue.
Can you replace my old metal fillings with white ones?
In many cases, yes - old amalgam fillings can be replaced with tooth-coloured composite or ceramic for a more natural look. We'll assess each filling and advise honestly whether replacement is worthwhile or better left alone.
Book an appointment for a filling - gentle, natural-looking restorations on St Kilda Road.
