Learn About White Fillings And Silver Fillings
Several different materials are used for dental fillings, including gold, metal, ceramic and porcelain. Still, the two primary materials used are white (which is called composite resin) and silver (which is called amalgam.) Each of these fillings has its pros and cons. Several factors are involved when choosing which filling material will work best for you, such as the cavity’s location and size and your dentist’s recommendation.
White Dental Fillings
White dental fillings are the most popular type of dental filling material to fill cavities, chips, fractures and wear spots. White fillings are made of composite resin, which will match seamlessly with your tooth shade because it comes in a variety of different shades of white. White fillings are the obvious choice for any restorative work that needs to be completed in the front.
Advantages
- Matches perfectly with the rest of your teeth
- Good material to use for bonding and building up teeth
Disadvantages
- Doesn’t last as long as silver fillings
- Can chip/fracture or break easier than silver fillings
Silver Dental Fillings
Silver fillings are made from amalgam and were by far the most popular filling material up until 20 or so years ago when composite resin fillings became more popular and used more frequently. Silver fillings hold up well over time, but there is controversy surrounding them because they contain mercury. Depending on your teeth, the condition of your silver fillings, and your dentist’s recommendation, your silver fillings can either be left and monitored or recommended to be replaced and changed to white fillings.
Advantages
- Silver fillings have a longer life span
- They are easier to place where there is some moisture from saliva where it may be challenging to put a white filling
Disadvantages
- They are not aesthetically pleasing and will not be recommended for any vital work in the front teeth
- They contain mercury
- They have the potential to chip or crack the surrounding tooth structure
If you have any questions about white fillings vs. silver fillings, or if you have any concerns about your current silver fillings, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.