Which Dental Filling Is Right for You?

Tooth cavities create spaces where bacteria thrive, so dentists recommend filling holes and uneven areas in teeth. Dental fillings are restorative materials that go in a tooth's hollowed-out area to prevent decay and tooth loss. Explore the various dental fillings below.



Amalgams

Amalgams are popular fillings that dentists have used to prevent tooth decay for over a century. Although these fillings look silver, they feature a mixture of metals like copper and tin. Dentists mix these metals with mercury to form a safe, stable filling material that is highly durable.

Amalgams suit teeth that absorb a lot of daily stress, such as molars, and dentists commonly use them for large cavities. Since they harden quickly, amalgams are ideal for children and people with special needs. Silver fillings are also reasonably affordable and last for 10 to 15 years. However, many people shy away from the aesthetics of amalgams, as they don't match the appearance of natural teeth. 

Cast Gold

Cast gold makes the most durable fillings, although the durability costs you a lot. Gold fillings typically cost ten times more than silver fillings, but they last for more than 15 years. Gold cast fillings also have exceptional strength and withstand chewing forces and general wear and tear without tarnishing.

The aesthetics of gold appease some people, but you may want less-noticeable materials. Many people prefer fillings that match the natural color of their teeth, and your dentist provides subtle filling options to this end.

Others dismiss gold fillings because they need at least two in-office visits to install. The need for multiple visits is to give your dental team time to make an impression of the cavity and send it to the lab for preparation. Then, the dentist places the cast gold inlays or onlays.

Composite

Composite fillings are great options for people who want less-visible materials, especially in the front areas of teeth. Composites combine powdered glass and plastic and bond to tooth structure for additional support. The material mimics your tooth's color and texture and makes you less conscious of your smile in social settings.

However, composite fillings deteriorate quicker than amalgams and last 5 to 10 years. Dentists typically use composites for teeth that absorb moderate pressure when chewing and small fillings.

Porcelain

Porcelain is another option for filling cavities, and many people consider it the most aesthetically pleasing filling material. The material is tooth-colored and is ideal for people who want a disguised filling to prevent tooth decay. Porcelain fillings are also more resistant to staining than composites, and you can wear them for over 15 years. However, porcelain is fairly brittle compared to other fillings, and daily wear and tear may shorten its lifespan.

The fillings are also quite pricey and can cost as much as cast gold because they might need computer-generated technology and a dental lab. You may need two dental visits to get porcelain fillings that match your natural teeth.

Glass Ionomer

Dentists make glass ionomer fillings out of glass and acrylic to fill cavities in baby teeth and decayed areas below the gumline. The material isn't as strong as composites, which is why it suits temporary fillings. Glass ionomer fillings usually last five years or less.

The major benefit of glass ionomers is they release small quantities of fluoride over their lifespan. Fluoride helps rebuild a tooth's enamel to prevent cavities and reverse early signs of decay. 

The right filling depends on your budget, size and location of the cavity, aesthetic preferences, and durability. Dental filling technology has evolved over time, and materials like composites offer great performance at affordable prices. At Doctors Davis & Beyer Dental Health Professionals, we will assist you in selecting the best filling material. Contact us today to prevent tooth decay.