How To Pick The Right Fillings For Your Teeth?

Q: Why do dentists use white fillings?

White fillings are appealing especially because they are the same colour as the teeth and therefor basically unnoticeable . Since they attach right to the tooth, patients with a broken tooth can receive a white filling to restore the tooth's shape, which may not be an option with silver fillings.

Written by: Bayside Dentists Team

Last Updated December 28, 2022

Newer dental filling options include glass ionomers, which are composed of acrylic acids & fine glass particles.

In their favour is the fact that they can be made to match the shade of your natural teeth. Small amounts if fluoride, which helps to prevent decay, can be released by design.

These fillings are not recommended for chewing surfaces due to their fragility. If you have a cavity close to the gum line or in the space between your teeth, your dentist may recommend using this material instead.

Crowns That Resemble Your Teeth

When you need a crown, porcelain, ceramic, or even a glasslike materials are commonly used for inlays and veneers.

The colour is a good match for your teeth, which is always a plus. These materials are extremely tough and last for a very long period.

The downsides of porcelain restorations are the higher cost and the requirement for multiple dental appointments.

Veneers are made from porcelain since it can be sculpted into low stiffness that can cover the front of teeth.

Affordable, Long-Lasting Fillings

Amalgam has been used to treat cavities by dentists for over a century. The amalgam fillings use a combination of metals including silver, tin, iron, and mercury.

They have the advantages of being low-cost and lasting a long time.

Disadvantages: People may be able to see your false teeth if you have amalgam ones because they are silver in colour. After getting a filling, you can also experience some temporary sensitivity to temperature changes.

If your hole is in a molar, your dentist may choose amalgam because of how well it holds up to chewing. Looking for a dental clinic for your dental needs? Check Bayside Dentists.

The American Dental Association has deemed amalgam to be safe for use, despite concerns from some patients.

Crowns, Fixed Bridges, And Partials At Reasonable Prices

People call “silver” fillings consist of a mixture of metals that provide the appearance of silver. Crowns, bridges, & partial dentures are typical applications for them.

The material is sturdy, which is a definite plus. It won’t easily deteriorate or malfunction. Additionally, it doesn’t cost too much.

Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures is a potential drawback. The shade also won’t complement your natural smile.

Crowns, Inlays, And Bridges Made Of Gold

In fact, gold fillings are a combination of gold and other metals. Their most common applications are inlays, crowns, and permanent bridges.

They are durable, won’t easily wear or become stained.

Unfortunately, the colour won’t be a perfect match, so it’s usually reserved for filling cavities in the back of your mouth or teeth that won’t be on display. It is also possible that it will cost you a fair penny.

Types Of Dental Fillings Most Recommended

By fully understanding the different types of dental filling By consulting with their dentists about the many materials available and deciding on the best one, patients can be assured of receiving a filling that will last a long period of time and not create any dental complications.

The four most common dental fillings recommended by dentists are listed below.

1. Silver Amalgam

Dental fillings made of silver amalgam have been the gold standard for numerous decades. The longevity of silver amalgam fillings, as compared to other options, is its most notable benefit. Higher reliability, however, does not come without a corresponding increase in price.

Furthermore, unlike composite resin, silver amalgam stands out against a smile full of natural teeth. Because of this, it works best on stronger, less visible teeth. Last but not least, silver amalgam is a fantastic choice of tooth filling owing to its capacity to last for years, however it generally costs slightly more than other options.

2. Composite Resin

A dental filling made of composite resin has the advantage of looking just like the rest of your teeth. So, if you require a dental filling and your front tooth or another conspicuous tooth is in need of repair, you should choose a composite resin.

Composite resin dental fillings are quite safe and should last for several years without requiring repair or replacement, although they may not have been capable of withstanding as much consistent pressure as silver or gold dental fillings.

3. Cast Gold

Like silver amalgam, cast gold dental fillings have been used for centuries and tolerate repeated biting far better than other dental filling options.

Gold dental fillings, like most other high-quality items, can be more expensive than resin composites or porcelain inlay restorations. However, depending on the tooth that needs filling, gold may be the greatest investment. Keep in mind that cast golden tooth fillings may not appear exactly like your actual teeth.

4. Porcelain Inlays

Porcelain inlays stand out from the crowd because they last longer than composite resin and seem more natural than dental fillings made of gold or silver.

Since placing porcelain inlays onto teeth could be slightly more challenging, it may take more than one dentist visit to complete the procedure. Porcelain inlays are often regarded as the gold standard in dental fillings, although they can be more expensive and time-consuming to place than alternative options.

What Are Metal Filling Alternatives?

Your dentist will go over your alternatives if you wish to avoid metals fillings or are considering having your current amalgam fillings changed.

Your dentist should make sure you understand the potential clinical complications with any dental restoration procedure. Selecting a competent and knowledgeable dentist, however, helps lessen the likelihood of these complications.

To help you make an educated selection, your dentist will additionally go over the costs of dental care and discuss payment options like health insurance and payment plans.

Mercury-free alternatives to traditional fillings include:

Blankets of white
Inlays/onlays
Coverings placed over a tooth’s natural enamel
Extraction

1. White Fillings

Composite materials used to create tooth-colored fillings (sometimes known as “white fillings”) can be coloured to match your teeth. These aren’t as long-lasting as metal fillings, but with proper care, they can last just as long and even outlast natural teeth.

Fillings in white teeth can be manufactured from either:

Often referred to simply as “composite resin,” dental composites are a plastic and glass combination that can be coloured to mimic the appearance of genuine teeth. They are the standard filling material for adult teeth unless the cavity is exceptionally large or more support is needed.
Glass-ionomer cement is often used for fillings in children’s teeth or adult teeth that are subject to less pressure than normal. Plaque can cause significant damage to teeth, but GIC fillings help preserve teeth by slowly releasing a little quantity of fluoride.

2. Onlays/Inlays

Your dentist may recommend inlays or onlays instead of a white filling if the damage to your tooth is more extensive or if you require additional support for the tooth than a filling can give.

After imprints of your teeth are taken, a dentist can create inlays/onlays, which are a more aesthetically pleasing and functional alternative to traditional fillings or crowns made of metal or ceramic. They function similarly to crowns in that they are attached to the tooth, but too much of the natural tooth is preserved.

Inlays are placed within the chewing cusps of a tooth.
The enamel of a tooth can be restored with an onlay.

3. Dental Crowns

Your dentist may suggest a dental crown for a severely damaged tooth with little to no healthy enamel left. While these last longer and are more expensive than fillings, they also give greater support for your tooth.

After moulds are made of the affected tooth(s), a crown can be fabricated to fit perfectly. These will be shipped out to a dental lab where your crown will be crafted from porcelain, ceramic, or some other material to ensure a perfect colour match with your natural teeth.

Your dentist will use a special bonding material to permanently secure the crown in place after it is completed. When a dentist office has a CEREC CAD/CAM technology, a patient only needs to visit once to have a crown designed, made, and permanently affixed to their tooth.

4. Extraction

Tooth extraction may be necessary if damage is too great or if decay has spread behind a filling. In extreme circumstances where the tooth cannot be saved, dentists may prescribe extraction.

Your dentist will likely recommend getting a new tooth once an extraction has healed so that you can keep your natural teeth, jaw, and face shape. Among the available choices are:

Is It Safe To Get Amalgam Fillings Removed?

Metal amalgam fillings can be replaced with other materials for a variety of reasons. One possible explanations for this are:

better smiles that don’t look forced
to prevent mercury-related allergic responses
to fix decayed teeth by fixing or replacing fillings that have come loose, broken, or worn down.

To reduce mercury exposure, specific protocols must be followed while installing or extracting metal amalgam fillings and then when disposing of amalgam debris, so finding an experienced dentist is crucial. The Australian Dental Association has adopted ISO 24234:2015, “Dentistry – Dental amalgam,” which addresses this topic.

How Are Metal Fillings Extracted?

Potential risks associated with amalgam removal will be discussed with you by your dentist before any decisions are made. During the operation, you as well as the dental personnel will be subjected to stringent safety precautions, such as:

Putting a rubber barrier over your mouth to keep food from falling in
The use of tungsten carbide dental instruments, which generate less heat, lessens the amount of mercury vapour that is generated and shortens the length of time needed for treatment.
By use of a rigors evacuation, mercury vapour is kept from being breathed in or recirculated.

After the amalgam has been extracted, the mercury trash will be safely disposed of so as not to endanger human health or the natural environment. We have an exclusive list of Melbourne’s most modern and affordable dental clinic for your dental needs.

The Hazards Of Mercury Exposure

Mercury exposure

impacts the body negatively and should be avoided. To give just two examples, mercury poisoning can occur after ingestion, and it can induce stomach and intestinal corrosion.

At high concentrations, mercury vapour in the air can be lethal because it disrupts the body’s digestive, immunological, neurological, and respiratory systems. Additional health problems may be precipitated by it.

However, the mercury content of amalgam fillings is too low to cause these issues. Mercury levels in the body are elevated by having metal fillings, but there are other ways to be exposed to it, such as through the consumption of certain fish.

Mercury poisoning or overdose can manifest with a wide range of symptoms, including:

headaches
insomnia
a breakdown in coordination
changes in temperament or level of irritation
rigid muscles or a lack of muscle strength
irritations that itch like crazy
issues with one’s eyesight

You should see a doctor if you’re experiencing any strange symptoms and aren’t sure what’s causing them.

How To Avoid Having A Filling

Fillings treatment for teeth that were weakened by decay and require placement of a crown. Plaque-dwelling bacteria are the culprits behind this dental ailment. To reduce the risk of plaque accumulation, tooth decay, and the requirement for fillings, you should:

Using fluoride toothpaste and brushing your teeth thrice a day
When you brush your teeth once a day, make sure to floss first.
Lessening your intake of sugar, which promotes the growth of plaque,
Getting plenty of water in your system (especially tap water containing fluoride that helps to protect teeth)
Having regular dental checkups and cleanings (at least every six months)

Bottom Line

You have multiple options when it comes to arranging a filling. But no filling is viewed as more superior on a scale of absolute quality. Consequently, before settling on a course of action, it is wise to consider the benefits and drawbacks of every possible option.

Your dentist will discuss the options for filling your cavity with you. Visit your dentist if you have questions about getting a filling or would like more information about the various filling options. Brush your teeth twice a day and use floss once a day at the very least till then.

Dental fillings can be used to improve both the health and look of teeth that have been damaged or decayed. Both the dentist and the patient have a wide variety of materials to choose from. Knowing what options are out there can assist the patient make the best decision for their teeth and gums. Composite fillings are the gold standard for dental fillings and are encased in a resin that looks like glass or quartz. These fillings can withstand the wear and tear of heavy chewing and are an appealing option for patients with dental anxiety.

Porcelain fillings, like natural tooth enamel, are susceptible to discoloration and staining over time. Glass ionomers, which are composed of acrylic acids & fine glass particles, can be made to match the shade of your natural teeth. These fillings are not recommended for chewing surfaces due to their fragility. People call “silver” fillings consist of a mixture of metals that provide the appearance of silver.

Content Summary:

Making ensuring your teeth look their finest before flashing a smile can create a big first impression.
Dental fillings can be used to improve both the health and look of teeth that have been damaged or decayed.
However, with so many options, it can be difficult to determine which filling is best for you.
The proper filling of your teeth can be found by following this method.
There are a lot of factors to think of when it comes to dental health.
The choice of dental filling material is one of life’s more momentous choices.
Every filling option has its own set of pros and cons.
Which Material Should You Use For Dental Fillings?
A dental filling can aid in both the treatment of decay and the prevention of additional decay in teeth.
Both the dentist and the patient have a wide variety of materials to select from.
It’s smart to familiarise yourself with your options for dental fillings in case you’re ever in need of one.
Dental fillings are multifaceted and materially diverse.
Some of these fillings are indirect, while others are placed through other means after the cavity has been prepared.
The latter involves taking an impression of the tooth and fabricating a filling specifically for that tooth.
If a dentist recommends a restoration, knowing what options are out there can assist the patient make the best decision for their teeth and gums.
Composite Patients prefer composite fillings over gold ones.
Quartz is embedded in resin and glass to create these fillings.
If the cavity is relatively small or medium in size, or if the patient often uses the teeth for chewing, a composite filling may well be recommended.
Composite fillings are another alternative for patients who have anxiety when visiting the dentist.
A composite could be bonded in place, reducing the need for drilling.
One more advantage of composite fillings is that they can be shade-matched to the natural tooth.
Amalgam Mercury amalgam fillings have been the standard in dentistry for decades.
Mercury, silver, copper, and zinc are all incorporated into these fillings.
Staining is also reduced with these fillings.
Indirect fillings are more common with gold.
Porcelain Indirect fillings can also be made out of porcelain.
These typically necessitate a number of trips to the dentist.
However, porcelain fillings are widely used due of their natural appearance.
Dentists frequently suggest them for people who value aesthetic continuity.
Ionomer Glass Or Resin Children are just as vulnerable to developing cavities as adults are.
Sometimes even primary teeth develop cavities and need to be treated.
Fillings for baby teeth can be made of resin or glass ionomer.
In addition to fixing minor cavities, these fillings can be utilised to repair chipped or broken teeth.
When utilised on a permanent tooth, this type or filling is often positioned away from the areas of the tooth that experience the most force while chewing.
Composite fillings are the gold standard for dental fillings.
They’re encased in a resin that looks like glass or quartz.
Composite fillings can withstand the wear and tear of heavy chewing and are a good option if your cavity was small to medium in size.
Because a composite may be glued in place, less drilling is required, making these an appealing option for patients with dental anxiety.
Composite fillings have the advantage that your dentist may precisely match their colour to that of your natural teeth.
Composite fillings, like natural tooth enamel, are susceptible to discoloration and staining over time.
Newer dental filling options include glass ionomers, which are composed of acrylic acids & fine glass particles.
In their favour is the fact that they can be made to match the shade of your natural teeth.
Small amounts of fluoride, which helps to prevent decay, can be released by design.
These fillings are not recommended for chewing surfaces due to their fragility.
If you have a cavity close to the gum line or in the space between your teeth, your dentist may recommend using this material instead.
When you need a crown, porcelain, ceramic, or even a glasslike materials are commonly used for inlays and veneers.
The colour is a good match for your teeth, which is always a plus.
These materials are extremely tough and last for a very long period.
The downsides of porcelain restorations are the higher cost and the requirement for multiple dental appointments.
Veneers are made from porcelain since it can be sculpted into low stiffness that can cover the front of teeth.
Amalgam has been used to treat cavities by dentists for over a century.
The amalgam fillings use a combination of metals including silver, tin, iron, and mercury.
They have the advantages of being low-cost and lasting a long time.
Disadvantages: People may be able to see your false teeth if you have amalgam ones because they are silver in colour.
After getting a filling, you can also experience some temporary sensitivity to temperature changes.
If your hole is in a molar, your dentist may choose amalgam because of how well it holds up to chewing.
The American Dental Association has deemed amalgam to be safe for use, despite concerns from some patients.
People call “silver” fillings consist of a mixture of metals that provide the appearance of silver.
Crowns, bridges, & partial dentures are typical applications for them.
The material is sturdy, which is a definite plus.
It won’t easily deteriorate or malfunction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fillings

Are white fillings better?

Modern white fillings are much stronger than those from several years ago. They are also bonded to the tooth to effectively seal the margin. Amalgam fillings just plug the hole and do not seal the margins or reinforce teeth. They are, however, very strong and a well-placed amalgam filling can last for several years.

Why do dentists use white fillings?

White fillings are appealing especially because they are the same colour as the teeth and therefor basically unnoticeable. Since they attach right to the tooth, patients with a broken tooth can receive a white filling to restore the tooth’s shape, which may not be an option with silver fillings.

Do white fillings cost more?

There is no huge difference in the time it takes to place either filling although the white fillings may take just a few minutes longer to place. Whilst white fillings used to be the more expensive option, these days both white and silver fillings tend to cost around the same price.

What are the four types of fillings?

The four basic types of dental fillings are:

Amalgam Fillings (Silver Fillings).
Gold Fillings.
Ceramic Fillings.
Composite Fillings.

What type of tooth filling is best?

The Best Types of Dental Fillings: Composite and Porcelain Fillings. The best and most popular types of fillings are composite and porcelain fillings. Both of these options offer benefits for patients with cavities.

Posted in White Fillings

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