NHS and white fillings

trinnylilac

peter65 wrote:

hooray i've made an appointment for wednesday with a private place as my nhs dentist is pretty far away and I can't be bothered waiting. Not sure whether to go for white filling or veneers though - will the dentist want me to have veneers as its more profitable for them do you think? what are the real advantages of veneers over white fillings?

I think, but may be wrong that fillings are reversable. i.e. they can be taken off and your teeth will be back to normal but with vaneers your teeth have to be prepared to take the vaneer and I think my friend told me that you will always have to have a veneer on it. So may cost you in the future if it needs replaced.

Hers are the filling type which is cheaper and you would never know was not her real teeth.

Toothsmith

That's true.

bibi_neko

Toothsmith wrote: »

Very small white filings can be called 'Preventative resin restorations' for which there is an NHS code.

Baby teeth at the back are often filled with Glass Ionomer material, which is also white. this is approved on the NHS also.

Sorry for bringing up an old post but i didn't want to make a new one of a similar subject.

I was wondering would i be able to get that instead of a filling? because i've had those before and i've just discovered a hole on one of my molars; or would i have to discuss with my dentis which is the best option?

Toothsmith

bibi_neko wrote: »

Sorry for bringing up an old post but i didn't want to make a new one of a similar subject.

I was wondering would i be able to get that instead of a filling? because i've had those before and i've just discovered a hole on one of my molars; or would i have to discuss with my dentis which is the best option?

Needs for someone to see it. PRRs can only be done on the most minimal of holes.

Interestingly enough, the latest directive from Mr Barry Cockup - sorry Cockcroft, the Chief Dental Officer for England - states that for small holes in back teeth, the evidence now supports the use of composite, (white filling) as the best way to restore these teeth. That means it should be available on the NHS, as it's no longer the 'cosmetic' option, but the best functional option!

Next time you're at your NHS dentist and need a small filling in a back tooth, quote this at him/her! Just see what shade of blue they turn!!

Go to this page :-

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Bulletins/Chiefdentalofficersbulletin/Browsable/DH_101011

Download or open the .pdf file.

At the side, you will see "Amalgam or Composite" which will take you to page 7 of the document. Have a read of that, then print it off and take it to your dentist if you need a small filling on a back tooth!