Look At Fillings

A filling is required in your mouth when a cavity or a hole has been created by bacteria in your mouth which in turn produce acid as a byproduct by the consumption of single sugars like sucrose or glucose in your diet.
This acid attack lasts for about 20 to 40 minutes called the Stephan Curve depending on the stickiness of the sugar that has been eaten. For example an acid attack by sticky toffee will be worse and a lot longer than a simple bar of chocolate. This is due to the fact that the toffee stays in between the fissures of your teeth which are difficult to clean with your normal toothbrush.

Your dentist will fill your holes in your teeth with materials like Amalgam which is the Silver Filling that has been used over a hundred of years which is the subject of much controversy and debate due the concentration of Mercury in its formulation. It has been banned in many countries due to its toxic effect and detrimental effects to the enviroment.

Due to many patients now requesting more of a natural look to their teeth, white natural tooth coloured fillings called composite fillings are now in demand because of the cosmetic and natural feel to them.
The holes in your teeth have to be of a minimal size as these plastic fillings are not as strong as silver amalgam fillings.

If you request white natural fillings but the size of the hole or cavity in your tooth is excessive than a porcelain or gold inlay may be the best option for you.
A dental impression is taken of your tooth which is then sent to a dental laboratory where a technician makes a custom built filling made of porcelain or even gold which then fits directly into the tooth like a made to measure suit. As there is a laborotory cost involved, these inlays are much more expensive than coventional fillings done by your own dentist at chairside.