Dental fillings in Ponte Vedra Beach have covered a long distance from the conventional metal amalgam fillings that everybody has become used to. Different types of dental fillings are available, and they have various pros and cons. One of the best substitutes for metal amalgam filings is composite ones, which have proven to be a viable and aesthetically fantastic preference. These two types of dental fillings are eponymous heroes whenever tooth decay looms, saving millions of people’s smiles by filing their cavities. Ponte Vedra Beach holistic dentist believes patients must know their differences and how different materials might impact their smile over a long period.
Leading Characteristics of Composite Fillings and Amalgam
Before diving into the advantages and disadvantages of each type of dental filling, let’s assess some elementary details on each material:
Composite Fillings are relatively newer but have become the best material for cavity filling
Tooth-colored dental composite arrived in the ‘60s compared to amalgam. Over the last few decades, they have become one of the most renowned options, compared to amalgam filings, with a few dental clinics now providing composite filling services. The leading features of composite fillings are the following:
- Composite resin material blends easily with any color smile because of custom colorizing.
- They can be used to resolve minimal cosmetic inaccuracies.
- They can last for approximately 5-7 years.
Amalgam has been curing cavities for approximately 150 years
Amalgam, known as silver fillings, has been around for over a decade, and dentists still prefer this method over composite fillings. Such dental filling integrates distinct metals, including tin, silver, mercury, and copper. The main features of amalgam are the following:
- The material is highly durable and long-lasting.
- They are the least expensive material for dental fillings.
- They get solidified quickly, making a quick placement.
How to Opt For the Appropriate Dental Filling?
If you require a dental filling, your dentist can select a suitable one. Appropriate ones with options that consist of tooth type, filling materials, cavity’s location, the extent of the damaged tooth, budget cost, and insurance cover are the crucial factors that might play a major role in opting for the right dental fillings. To select from a wide array of options, the factors to consider the best dental fillings are the following:
- Fillings that release fluoride – Dental professionals must be cautious regarding opting for dental fillings, which may quickly blend in your real teeth and liberate tiny amounts of fluoride that help impede tooth decay.
- Fillings that resemble the original tooth – Dental professionals can select a filling that matches your teeth color.
- Budget-friendly and long-lasting dental fillings – One must always choose cost-effective and long-lasting fillings.
Comparing the Pros and Cons of Composite Fillings and Amalgam
You can guess a few of the positives and negatives of amalgam and composite regarding their features, but let’s compare them:
Pros of Amalgam
- They can fill the bigger cavities within the teeth due to their strength.
- They can last more than 10 years or more with adequate care and are durable.
Cons of Amalgam
- They can be spotted easily, even on the back teeth, if your mouth remains wide.
- Some dentists no longer conduct amalgam fillings in the dental clinic.
Pros of Composite
- They are universal enough to fix superficial errors, such as a tiny chip in a tooth.
- They remain invisible as they merge seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Cons of Composite
- Composites cost more than amalgam fillings.
- They usually last up to 5-7 years, approximately half an amalgam filling.
Conclusion
Despite major evolutions in dental care and health, tooth decay remains an issue for several kids and adults. If not treated adequately, tooth decay can lead to major oral health issues, for example, falling or infected teeth. Hence, dental fillings are the most common process to mend tooth damage.