What Are the Types of Tooth Fillings Available at Absolute Dental?
Amalgam Fillings (Silver Fillings)
Amalgam fillings are the most durable and cost-effective fillings available at Absolute Dental. These are the traditional silver-colored fillings you may have seen in the past. While durable, some people find issues with their silver appearance.
Composite Fillings (Tooth-Colored Fillings)
Tooth-colored fillings have a natural appearance and ability to blend with surrounding teeth, and are ideal for teeth in the front of the mouth or other visible areas. These fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, adding strength and preserving more of your natural tooth.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride, a chemical that helps keep your teeth strong and prevent future cavities. Unfortunately, they’re not as durable as other materials, but they’re great for fillings below the gum line or in areas that don’t experience heavy chewing.
Porcelain (Ceramic) Fillings
Porcelain fillings provide an excellent color-match to your existing teeth, are very durable, and are stain resistant. This type of filling is used for larger cavities, or when aesthetics are a top priority. The downside is their cost, as they tend to be more expensive than other methods.
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings, as opposed to the silver fillings you’ve likely seen in the past, offer several advantages over other methods:
- Natural aesthetics: Tooth-colored fillings seamlessly blend with natural teeth.
- Bonding to tooth structure: Composite fillings strengthen the tooth by bonding directly to the teeth.
- Less tooth removal: Because composite fillings bond directly to the tooth and don’t need to be held in place by their shape, like traditional fillings, they require less tooth removal.
- No mercury concerns: While mercury use in dentistry has been deemed safe by every major regulatory body in the U.S., tooth-colored fillings contain no mercury, for those with concerns.
To avoid any confusion — tooth-colored fillings and white tooth fillings are essentially the same type of fillings. Your dentist can tell you more.
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