How Do Composite Fillings Differ From Amalgam Fillings?
Posted on: 24 May 2022
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If tooth decay has damaged your teeth, your dentist can repair that damage using fillings. Once a dentist has removed the decay, they can place a dental filling over the damaged area. Dental Fillings act as barriers to dental decay. They also allow you to chew food comfortably and without discomfort.
Two of the most common types of dental fillings are composite (white) fillings and amalgam (metal) fillings. If you plan to visit your dentist to have some fillings placed, learning the differences between composite fillings and amalgam fillings will help you to decide which filling type is more suitable for you.
Composite fillings are tooth-coloured
If you don't want your dental fillings to stand out, choose composite fillings. Composite fillings are white or tooth-coloured, which makes them inconspicuous. And dentists can match the shade of composite fillings to the shade of your natural teeth. This makes composite fillings a good choice for teeth in the front of the mouth.
Composite fillings are less durable than amalgam fillings
Amalgam fillings are metal, which makes them durable and suitable for back teeth, which come under more pressure while chewing than front teeth. Composite fillings are made of plastic and resin. As a result, they are less durable than amalgam fillings and more suitable for teeth in the front of the mouth.
Composite fillings don't last as long as amalgam fillings
One of the biggest downsides to composite fillings is that they only last about 7-10 years, whereas amalgam fillings can last up to 15 years. However, you can extend the lifespan of composite fillings by taking good care of them.
Composite fillings are more expensive than amalgam fillings
Composite fillings are more difficult to place than amalgam fillings. They also resemble natural tooth structures. Because of these advantages, composite fillings are usually more expensive than amalgam fillings. However, the extra cost is worth it if you want your dental fillings to look natural once placed.
Composite fillings take longer to place
Placing amalgam fillings in the mouth is a simpler process than placing composite fillings. This is because composite fillings need a dry environment in order to bond with natural tooth structure after placement. Amalgam fillings don't have this issue. As a result, composite fillings take about 20 minutes longer to place than amalgam fillings.
Composite fillings and amalgam fillings differ in several ways. If you are unsure of which type of filling to choose, speak to your dentist. With their help, you can choose the filling material that works best for you.
For more information on dental fillings, contact a professional near you.