If you have cavities, you must choose between amalgam fillings vs composite. In both cases, your dentist will remove the cavity and insert a filling. However, these two options have some differences. Learn about your fill options so you can decide.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are necessary to prevent tooth decay (cavity) and maintain the health of your teeth. Without fillings, the decay will eventually reach the pulp of the tooth, causing an infection. Fillings also help to restore the strength of the tooth and prevent further damage.
If you’re looking to get a filling, you may be wondering what kind is best for you. There are silver amalgam fillings and white composite fillings, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
What are Silver Amalgam Fillings?
A silver amalgam filling is a type of dental filling that contains a mixture of silver and mercury. Mercury is a liquid metal that helps to bind the silver particles together. Silver amalgam fillings have been used for over 150 years and are considered to be safe and effective.
There are two types of silver amalgam fillings: posterior and anterior. Posterior amalgam fillings are used for molars or premolars, while anterior amalgams are used for incisors or canines. Anterior amalgams are also called “composite” fillings.
Silver amalgam fillings are strong and durable, and can last for many years with proper care. They are also less expensive than other types of dental fillings, such as gold or porcelain.
Advantages of Silver Amalgam Fillings
Silver amalgam fillings have been used for over 150 years and are still the most commonly used type of filling. There are many advantages to silver amalgam fillings including their durability, ease of placement, and low cost.
Silver amalgam fillings are very durable and can last for many years. They are also easy to place, and require no special preparation of the tooth. Silver amalgam fillings are also much less expensive than other types of fillings such as gold or porcelain.
Disadvantages of silver amalgam fillings.
While silver amalgam fillings are less expensive than other types of dental fillings, they have a number of disadvantages. Silver amalgam fillings are made of a mixture of mercury, silver, tin and copper, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. They also expand and contract with changes in temperature, which can eventually lead to cracks in the tooth. Silver amalgam fillings also require more removal of healthy tooth structure than other types of dental fillings.
A white composite filling is a type of dental filling that is used to treat cavities. The filling is made up of a white composite material, which is designed to match the color of your teeth. Composite fillings are also considered to be more esthetically pleasing than other types of fillings, such as silver amalgam fillings.
White composite fillings are made up of two main components: a resin and a filler. The resin is a type of plastic that is used to bind the filler together. The filler is typically made up of silica or quartz, which gives the filling its white color. Composite fillings are also available in a variety of different shades, so you can choose one that closely matches the color of your natural teeth.
Composite fillings are considered to be very strong and durable, and they can last for many years with proper care.
Advantages of White Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are made of a tooth-colored resin and offer many benefits compared to other types of fillings. They can be matched to the color of your natural teeth, so they are less noticeable than silver fillings. Composite fillings also bond to your tooth, which helps to support the remaining tooth structure and prevents further damage.
Composite fillings are also easier to remove if you need future dental work. They can be repaired if they become damaged, and do not require as much removal of healthy tooth structure as silver fillings do. Composite fillings are a safe and effective way to restore your teeth and improve your smile.
Disadvantages of White Composite Fillings
While white composite fillings are less visible than other types of fillings, they have several disadvantages. White composite fillings are not as strong as metal fillings and can break down over time. They are also more expensive than metal fillings.
Which Type of Filling is Best for You?
Silver amalgam fillings are less expensive than white composite fillings, but they are also more visible. If you’re looking for a filling that will blend in with your natural teeth, silver amalgam is not the right choice.
White composite fillings are more expensive than silver amalgam fillings, but they are also much less visible. If you’re looking for a filling that will blend in with your natural teeth, white composite is the better choice.
When do You Need to Replace Your Silver Fillings with White Fillings?
If your silver amalgam fillings are cracked, worn down, or causing pain, it’s time to replace them. Composite fillings are a popular alternative to silver amalgam because they’re tooth-colored and less visible. They can also be used to repair chipped, broken, or cracked teeth. Composite fillings are made of a plastic and glass mixture that’s bonded to the tooth. This type of filling is strong and durable and can last for many years with proper care.
See Dentist For Life
Are you in search of a reliable and skilled dentist in Marysville, Ohio? Your quest ends with Dentist For Life! Our practice offers thorough dental care for individuals of all age groups. We accept a diverse range of insurance plans and warmly welcome new patients. Contact us at (937) 707-1111 or conveniently book your appointment online.
