Silver vs. Tooth-Colored Dental Filling Materials? | Chula Vista CA
There are several types of dental filling materials, including silver fillings and white fillings. Tooth-colored or white fillings refer to dental filling materials that match the shade of your natural teeth, such that it’s virtually impossible to differentiate a restored tooth from your other teeth. They are typically made from a “composite” of plastic resins and silica fillers, or porcelain. These materials mimic many attributes of tooth enamel, including its strength, translucency, and wear-resistance, providing you with a strong and durable tooth that can function normally.
The only similarity between tooth-colored fillings and silver fillings is that they are all strong enough to restore the form and function of a chipped or decayed tooth, and withstand biting and chewing pressure for many years. Metal fillings may be more durable, but composite fillings have many other benefits that make them more popular.
For instance, unlike amalgam, composite fillings can be used to treat very small cavities that are hard to fill using other materials. Another unique difference is that tooth-colored composite fillings are easy to repair. Fillings tend to wear over time and may be damaged in the event of an accident. Composite fillings can be easily reapplied without having to remove the original filling, unlike many of the other materials.
The More Conservative Treatment
The placement of dental fillings involves a simple procedure that is completed in a single visit, during which the dentist will clean the tooth and bond the filling material. For decayed teeth, the preparation will involve removing the decay and cleaning the site to avoid trapping bacteria that may erode the tooth after restoration. As such, the site must be kept completely dry and free from saliva.
Depending on the type of filling material used, the dentist may need to remove more of the natural tooth material and expand the cavity to accommodate enough filling material to form a strong bond. Composite fillings are the most conservative, requiring minimal tooth preparation work. This helps to maintain the structure and strength of the tooth after repairs.
Which is the Right Option for Me?
Tooth-colored dental fillings are safe, reliable, and affordable. They’re also easy to repair, allowing you to maintain your natural and even smile. Your dentist will help you choose the right tooth-colored or metal-alloy material for your case. For more information, please visit your dentist to discuss the best ways to restore your damaged teeth.
Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Right for Me?
Your Chula Vista dentist may recommend porcelain or ceramic onlays and inlays to restore severely damaged teeth due to wear or decay.