What are the 3 Most Common Types of Fillings?

The three most common types of dental fillings are traditional silver amalgam, tooth-colored composite, and porcelain. Each type offers unique advantages and potential drawbacks.

• Composite Fillings: A mercury-free filling material, composite fillings are used to repair minor tooth damage, like cavities or chips. Made from a blend of plastic and glass, these fillings offer strength and a natural appearance, making them an excellent option for visible areas.
• Traditional Silver Amalgam: Amalgam fillings contain metals like silver and tin and up to 50% mercury. Although durable, amalgam’s appearance and potential health concerns related to mercury have led many patients to prefer mercury-free options.
• Porcelain/Ceramic Fillings: Created using advanced technology like CAD/CAM, ceramic fillings are durable and aesthetically pleasing. While more expensive than amalgam or composite, porcelain fillings offer excellent strength and stain resistance.

Why Choose Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings are mercury-free and made from glass and resin, providing a non-toxic alternative to amalgam. Using a safe bonding mechanism, these fillings reshape teeth, close gaps, and repair chips, offering a natural-looking result.

Porcelain vs. Composite Fillings: Which is Better?

Porcelain fillings are highly durable, stain-resistant, and ideal for larger restorations, providing strength and a seamless smile. Composite fillings require minimal tooth preparation, preserving more of the natural structure and providing a flawless, natural look for smaller restorations. Porcelain is best for longevity, while composite is often preferred for a natural appearance with minor repairs.

Inlays and Onlays

• Inlays: Custom-made fillings designed to replace specific areas of tooth damage, fitting precisely into the space and offering a smooth, natural-looking result.
• Onlays: Similar to inlays but covering a larger area, including the tooth’s cusps, onlays are durable and ideal for restoring function and appearance.

Porcelain inlays and onlays are an attractive solution that can be color-matched for a natural look. Unlike traditional fillings, they are minimally invasive, preserving more of the natural tooth structure.

Replacing Metal Fillings

When replacing old metal fillings, choosing between composite and porcelain is important for dental health. Razavi Dental specializes in recommending and applying porcelain fillings, strengthening teeth and minimizing issues like thermal expansion associated with amalgam.

Composite Fillings: Aesthetic and Durable

Tooth-colored composite fillings provide good durability and fracture resistance, especially for moderate-pressure areas. Suitable for both front and back teeth, they are a popular choice for patients desiring a natural appearance.

Considerations for Composite Fillings

Composite fillings, while aesthetically pleasing, may require more frequent replacement than amalgam if oral hygiene is not maintained properly.

Introduction

Dental fillings are a common restorative treatment for teeth damaged by decay or trauma, playing a vital role in preserving a healthy smile. Advances in dental technology have expanded filling options, each with unique benefits. This article explores various types of fillings, their pros and cons, and what to expect during a filling appointment at Razavi Dental.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are a restorative solution used to repair teeth damaged by decay or injury. Often made from composite resin for a tooth-colored finish, fillings blend naturally with teeth. They restore the shape and function of damaged teeth, whether due to cavities, cracks, or chips.

Types of Dental Fillings

Several filling options are available:

• Composite Fillings: These are the most popular choice, especially for visible areas, due to their tooth-colored appearance.
• Gold Fillings: Made from a gold alloy, these fillings are durable but more costly and less aesthetic than composite.
• Silver Amalgam Fillings: Comprised of a blend of silver, mercury, and other metals, amalgam fillings are durable and cost-effective but less aesthetically pleasing.
• Porcelain Fillings: Crafted from ceramic, these fillings are highly stain-resistant and ideal for inlays and onlays.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Mercury-Free Fillings

Mercury-free fillings, or composite fillings, offer several advantages:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Composite fillings match natural tooth color for a seamless look.
• Mercury-Free: Composite fillings do not contain mercury, making them a safer choice for health-conscious patients.
• Durability: With proper care, composite fillings are durable and long-lasting.

However, composite fillings also have some drawbacks:

• Higher Cost: Composite fillings are typically more expensive than amalgam.
• Shorter Lifespan: They may not last as long as metal fillings, especially under heavy wear.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Traditional Fillings

Traditional metal fillings, or silver amalgam, have their own set of benefits:

• Durability: Metal fillings are highly durable and can last many years.
• Cost-Effective: Amalgam fillings are often less expensive than composite fillings.

However, traditional metal fillings also have some drawbacks:

• Aesthetic Disadvantage: Metal fillings are more visible and less natural-looking.
• Mercury Content: The presence of mercury in amalgam fillings raises health concerns for some patients.