Fillings on front teeth - how?

[Judythecat]

I had a couple of tiny white fillings placed on my upper front teeth about ten years ago, due to over-brushing where I had scrubbed away little patches of enamel which looked horrid. The edges are now a bit stained, heavy tea habit, and tomorrow I am having them replaced. I know they got in there, but am suddenly worrying how the dentist is going to get at them? When I open my mouth, my lip covers them. Will I need some sort of contraption/frame to keep my lip off my teeth? I am not scared of the process, which I have chosen to have for cosmetic reasons, I just want to be prepared! My dentist said the amount of tooth removed will be fractional, like sanding down a skirting board or door - there is no decay - and I also wondered if I am risking healthy teeth for cosmetic purposes? She would have said, right? I initially asked about veneers and was told a flat No Way given that the teeth are healthy, so she generally has a very conservative approach. I trust her 100%, just having a wee panic. Any advice or reassurance would be very welcome. Thanks for reading if you did.

 

[Gordon]

The dentist just sort of folds the lip up out of the way with their free hand, it's something we do so unconsciously I had to actually think about how we do it!
These jobs are where magnification comes in very handy

 

[Judythecat]

It’s done! Actually after a thorough polish, with a firmer brush than usual, I only needed one done. I managed with no numbing, and my teeth look fantastic! The filling still feels a tiny bit rough, will that smooth off with brushing? She did polish it down.

 

[drhirst]

Great result Judythecat. Sounds like you have an excellent, ethical and caring dentist.
You may find the slight roughness disappears in a few days, if not, I am sure your lovely dentist will be happy to do a bit more smoothing and polishing.

 

[Dr. Daniel]

The filling still feels a tiny bit rough, will that smooth off with brushing?

It will get smoother with brushing and also chewing. Please brush gently.

 

[Judythecat]

Thank you both. I am really so lucky to have a great dentist, and also to be able to access a mix of private and NHS care with her based on want versus need - this was private treatment today, but I am an NHS patient. I need to go back and get casts done for a new mouthguard so if it is still rough then I can ask her to take a look. Hopefully it will smooth itself off though!