Fillings can be used for multiple reasons, sometimes due to tooth decay (hole) in the tooth. The decay is removed to stop it from spreading further through the tooth, and replaced with a filling material.
Composite (white) fillings
are tooth-coloured restorations that bond directly to the natural tooth, for an almost invisible highly aesthetic result.
Benefits:
- Tooth coloured and highly aesthetic.
- Bonded directly to healthy tooth structure, allowing for a more conservative preparation compared with amalgam.
- Durable and long lasting.
- Almost invisible – making them a good choice for any tooth.
- Suitable for cavities, chipped teeth, reshaping, and closing small gaps.
Things to be aware of:
- May wear faster than amalgam.
- They can stain over time.
- Some people can feel temporary sensitivity after placement, which usually settles.
An amalgam (silver) filling is a metal-based filling material. It’s one of the strongest filling materials so great for back teeth.
Benefits:
- One of the strongest filling materials, which can withstand a heavy chewing force.
- Good for large cavities
- Usually the least expensive filling material making it more affordable.
- Unlike composite, amalgam is not dependant on moisture control and suitable when moisture control is difficult.
Things to be aware of:
- Metallic grey appearance.
- Dentists may need to remove more healthy tooth structure to secure the filling.