Composite Dental Fillings Vs. Amalgam

Composite Dental Fillings Vs. Amalgam Fillings are designed to replace lost or damaged natural dental matter. They are used for cavities, chipped teeth, cracked teeth, and other such issues. Fillings have been around for several decades now and are available in a wide range of materials. The most commonly used materials are dental composite and amalgam.

At Luck Dental Clinic, our experienced dentists have worked with both these options for several years. We know the pros and cons of these materials and can help you make the right choice for your dental health. You can ask any question you might have related to the procedure and our dentist will answer them to the best of their ability.

Call Us at (715) 472-2211 Today!

Here we discuss the difference between composite and amalgam fillings, so you get a brief idea of what to expect.

Everything About Composite Dental Fillings

Composite dental fillings are made from ceramic and resin, which makes them solid and relatively durable. People prefer composite dental fillings because they match the natural color of the teeth. It is nearly impossible for people to tell whether a person has a filling or not because the material is designed to blend in seamlessly. Other advantages of this material include:

  • Bonding With Enamel – A composite dental filling chemically bonds with the natural dental enamel, which means there is a higher chance of it staying in place regardless of your lifestyle.
  • Suitable For Front Teeth – A dentist can use this filling on your front teeth without compromising their appearance. As the color melds into the regular dental matter, you can smile freely.
  • Tooth-Sparing Properties – Composite fillings are more malleable and easier for dentists to work with. We don’t need to remove as much dental matter, which helps preserve a larger portion of the natural tooth.

The composite filling will last for around five years if maintained well. Its ideal for smaller cavities because smaller fillings aren’t under as much pressure and are less likely to break.

Everything About Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings are made from silver and have been around for a long time. They were quite popular before composite resin fillings were introduced. Even today, many patients choose this filling over other available alternatives. Here’s a look at some of the biggest advantages of amalgam fillings:

  • Durability – They are made from metal, making them less likely to cracking, chipping, or wear. If maintained well, they can easily last for 10 to 15 years.
  • Strength – The silver material can handle much biting force. If you like to eat hard, or crispy things, you can enjoy them without worrying about your filling cracking.
  • Cost – Amalgam fillings are some of the least expensive filling options available. You might not need any additional dentist visits to see if the filling is secured correctly.

While amalgam has some advantages, it also has some distinct disadvantages that make it a poor choice for many modern patients. These fillings are pretty noticeable because they’re dark and silvery in color. Dentists need to destroy a larger amount of natural dental matter to accommodate the metal filing.

Amalgam expands or contracts with exposure to heat and cold, which can place pressure on the surrounding natural teeth and cause cracks. Patients with amalgam fillings will eventually develop tooth discoloration, which will further compromise the appearance of their smile.

Some patients are allergic to the filling material and have a reaction to the metal. These fillings also contain mercury, and long-term exposure to this material is bad for health.

Most modern dentists will recommend composite resin fillings over amalgam ones because they cause less damage to the natural tooth and blend in well with natural teeth.

If you want to know more about dental fillings or need to book an appointment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Luck Dental Clinic. You can call 715 472 2211 today or contact us through this form.

Call Us at (715) 472-2211 Today!

Luck Dental Clinic

308 1st Street South
Luck, WI 54853

Office Hours

Monday
8am – 5pm
Tuesday
8am – 5pm
Wednesday
8am – 5pm
Thursday
8am – 5pm
Friday
7am – 2pm
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