Tooth decay is a common problem. In fact, the vast majority of people will suffer from at least one cavity in their lifetime. Fillings can repair teeth, stop the spread of decay, and help your smile endure for decades. But what type of filling should you get? Traditional amalgam (metal) fillings have been around for years, and many dentists still use them. On the other hand, tooth-colored fillings are becoming ever more popular. A dentist in Fox Chapel is here compare these two types of restorations.
Appearance
There is no doubt that tooth-colored fillings are superior to amalgam when it comes to aesthetics. Metal fillings have a distinct silver color, which clashes with the natural color of tooth enamel. In contrast, tooth-colored fillings are made out of a composite resin that blends in seamlessly with the dentition around them.
To see for yourself just how good tooth-colored fillings look, examine the photo that accompanies this blog. We replaced a patient’s metal fillings with composite resin, and now there is virtually no way to tell that there was ever any tooth decay!
It’s also worth noting that amalgam fillings can leak over time and lead to permanent discoloration in the tooth that surrounds them. Composite resin does not have this issue, and you can be confident that it will maintain its beautiful appearance for years.
Oral and Overall Health
Of course, your oral and overall health are even more important than your smile’s appearance. There are a few ways in which tooth-colored fillings are better for your well-being than amalgam ones:
- Amalgam fillings contain a significant amount of mercury, a toxic metal that has been connected to a long list of serious symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, and respiratory problems. Composite resin is biocompatible and non-toxic.
- Metal expands and contracts when it is exposed to extreme temperatures, which means that amalgam fillings place extra stress on the dentition around them. Composite resin does not have this problem.
- Tooth-colored fillings have a low thermal conductivity, which can help reduce your sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. Metal fillings, on the other hand, may actually add to tooth sensitivity.
- Placing a composite resin filling requires less modification of the tooth structure than placing an amalgam filling. This is because the resin actually bonds with the enamel, so there is no need to create a “pocket” for it to sit in.
If you need a filling, there is really no reason why you should settle for amalgam. Tooth-colored, composite resin fillings are just as effective at stopping decay and offer numerous advantages over their old-fashioned metal counterparts.
About the Author
Dr. Ray Voller is a family dentist in Fox Chapel who has nearly 40 years of experience in his field. He is proud to offer tooth-colored fillings both to patients who have new cavities and to those who would like to replace their old metal fillings. To learn more about Dr. Voller and his services, call one of our offices or contact us via our website.