Dental fillings have proved to be a reliable solution to tooth decay and cavities. If the cavity is not addressed immediately, it leads to more permanent oral complications and extra costs for rectifying them. So, make sure every cavity is filled as soon as it starts to develop. Fortunately, there are different types of materials used to make dental fillings. Therefore, you are assured of finding fillings that fit your aesthetic preference.
Before you decide to get any of these dental fillings for your tooth cavity, make sure that you fully understand each of them’ pros and cons. This article goes over some of the common dental filling materials and their benefits and drawbacks.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are usually made of powdered glass and acrylic resin. They can be tailor-made and shaded to suit your natural teeth. Composite fillings are fitted directly to the teeth, making it possible for your doctor to fill all the affected in a single visit. Although they are not as resilient as metal fillings, composite fillings are long-lasting and blend perfectly with your smile. However, composite fillings are prone to wear and tear. They also tend to get stained over time.
Ceramic or Porcelain Fillings
Ceramic fillings are aesthetically appealing and do not get stained. They can also be customized to match the color of your natural teeth, making them less noticeable. However, they are a bit more expensive than composite fillings. Also, they are indirect fillings, so you have to book several visits to the dentist.
Gold Fillings
Cast gold fillings are designed to last for decades. They are strong, corrosion-resistant, and stain-resistant. Since gold is a biocompatible metal, it is 100% safe for human use. It doesn’t damage your teeth or wear away. Furthermore, it is aesthetically appealing. However, gold fillings are quite expensive in terms of price and cost of filling. Since they are indirect fillings, you will have to book multiple visits to your dentist.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings have been in use for more than 150 years. They are less expensive, healthy, and long-lasting. Also, they are direct fillings, so you don’t have to book multiple visits to the dentist. However, their distinctive silver coloration makes them less popular. Furthermore, the silver color tends to get darker over time, making the fillings even more noticeable. These filings are also known to affect your nervous, immune, digestive systems because of mercury elements found in them.
