Dental News

So You Need a Filling: Which Type is Best for Your Teeth and Your Needs?

November 15, 2022

So You Need a Filling: Which Type is Best for Your Teeth and Your Needs?

Your dentist will lay out a treatment plan and offer dental filling options during your appointment to address a cavity or broken tooth. There are numerous options for dental fillings, and each has advantages and disadvantages. Making the choice that best suits your demands and budget can be made easier if you are aware of the variations in dental filling materials.

Metals (such as gold and silver amalgam), resin composites, and ceramics are some of the typical materials used for dental fillings. Silver amalgam and resin composite fillings are the most popular types. Comparing the high price of gold and ceramic material to the lower cost of silver amalgam and resin composite, a good tradeoff is made between durability and aesthetics. Each type of dental filling material has advantages of its own, and the best choice for you will rely on those advantages and your demands.

Amalgam fillings

Because amalgam fillings are strong and long-lasting, dentists frequently use them to fix cavities. Mercury and silver composite metal compositions give amalgam fillings their strength and longevity. The molar’s cavities are frequently filled with an amalgam filling. Amalgam fillings are strong and can sustain chewing pressure due to the biting pressure placed on the molar’s surface. Because amalgam fillings are made of silver, they may be easier to see when you smile. For many patients, amalgam is a cost-effective option because it is the most affordable and long-lasting dental filling material.

Composite resin fillings

The second most popular dental filling material is resin composite. Ceramic and plastic compounds are used to create resin composites. The resin composite fillings can be customized to match the color of your teeth and adhere to the tooth more firmly, offering a solid foundation. Resin composite’s aesthetic appeal is lacking in comparison to amalgam fillings’ endurance.

When utilized to cover significant gaps, resin composites are susceptible to premature wear when put under chewing pressure. More money may be spent on resin composite fillings than on amalgam. Resin composite fillings are an option if appearance is your top priority.

Gold fillings

The most expensive material used for dental fillings is gold. Gold fillings are extremely long-lasting and do not erode over time. The fact that gold does not react with chemicals or fracture under intense biting pressure is a benefit of having gold fillings. If price is not a decisive factor, gold filling is a good option.

Knowing your alternatives for dental fillings will help you make a decision that balances expense and appearance. To discuss which option is best for you, call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 before your upcoming dental appointment.

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