If you have a cavity that requires a filling, there are a number of different kinds of materials that may be used to accomplish this task. Amalgam, gold, porcelain, and composite are some of the most common materials used for fillings. Here, our Collingwood dental team explains the differences between these materials in order to help you decide which may be better for you.
Fillings for teeth can be made from a variety fo materials, including amalgam, gold, porcelain and composite resins. In addition to being long-lasting and safe, each of these materials come with its own set of advantages and considerations.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are plastic tooth-coloured fillings that look and feel natural when placed in a patient's mouth.
Composite fillings are created to be the same colour as your natural teeth, allowing them to blend in with the rest of your smile. The materials of a composite filling are also relatively easy for your dentist to shape and mould to match the contour of your teeth. Since they naturally bond to your teeth when placed, so your dentist will not have to remove as much material from your teeth to make room for them when preparing your smile for a filling.
In order to place this type of filling, your dentist will first remove decay from the tooth and then apply bonding material to the inside of the cavity. After that, thin layers of composite resin are poured into the hole. With the help of a curing light, each layer hardens to a solid state. When the final layer of the filling has hardened, your dentist will shape the filling so that it matches the shape of your natural teeth.
Porcelain Fillings
Porcelain fillings are strong, tooth-coloured dental restorations created by combining brittle and hard porcelain fillings with resilient metal, resulting in a tooth-coloured restoration that can withstand the stress of chewing.
A porcelain filling is created in a dental lab and returned to your dentist, who cements it in place in your mouth. It is typically necessary to schedule at least two dental appointments in order to complete the procedure.
Amalgam Fillings
Silver in colour, amalgam fillings are frequently used to fill teeth located at the back of the mouth. They are a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, copper, and tin, among others.
While the colour of amalgam fillings may not be appealing to people that want a more natural look to their smile, they are a long-lasting treatment option for molars that are subject to excess wear and tear.
Gold Fillings
In order to create a cast gold filling, a model of your tooth must be created. A mixture of gold and other metals, such as silver and copper, is used to create these pieces.
Much like the porcelain fillings, this type of dental filling is made in a dental lab and then returned to your dentist, who cements it into place inside your mouth. As a result, this type of filling typically requires at least two dental appointments to complete.