The Difference Between Fillings
There are several dental filling materials available today. Have you ever wondered what makes them different? The most commonly used dental fillings used to be metal fillings. Gold is a very strong filling material that can withstand a lot of force and is still used for back molars if grinding and clenching is a concern. However, the most commonly used material today is composite resin. Composite resin is a tooth-colored material that blends with your dentition so you can't tell you have a filling. Read on to find out more about the difference between fillings.
Types of Fillings
Silver amalgam: Silver amalgam fillings are a mixture of silver, tin, zinc, and copper held together with liquid mercury. They are affordable and long-lasting, but their use has always been controversial due to the mercury. They also are not as esthetically pleasing as more modern fillings because they do not blend in with the surrounding tooth structure.
Composite resin: Composite resin, on the other hand, contains no mercury, is also long-lasting (albeit more expensive), and is esthetically pleasing because it blends with the surrounding dentition.
Porcelain fillings: Porcelain is used when an inlay or onlay is the treatment of choice. They are indirect fillings used when tooth damage is too extensive for a direct filling. While porcelain is highly esthetic, it can be brittle, and can cause unnecessary wear on opposing teeth.
How to Choose
When it comes to choosing between filling types each type of material has its pros and cons. Some materials, such as gold, are better for people who brux (grind and clench their teeth) because it is so strong and will not crack, chip, or break easily. Composite resin is great for front teeth because the white color makes it inconspicuous. Other factors to consider include:
- Extent of decay
- Cost
- Insurance coverage
- Your dentist's recommendation