They are more cost-effective than white fillings because of the materials and because patients spend less time in the chair. Silver fillings are the more durable option, and they are better for teeth that undergo a lot of force and pressure such as molars.
A white filling can be matched to the colour of your surrounding tooth. White fillings don't have the same potential environmental or health risk posed by the mercury in amalgam fillings. Some people find they experience less post-treatment discomfort and sensitivity when using white composite fillings.
White fillings offer several advantages over metal fillings. First, they are made from a tooth-coloured material. As a result, they blend in perfectly with the neighbouring natural tooth structure and become virtually indistinguishable. Besides, white fillings do not contain harmful ingredients, unlike silver fillings.
There are some pros to getting silver fillings, but also some negatives. Silver fillings, also known as amalgam fillings, are strong, durable, and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. They typically last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, and are a great option to fill in any decayed areas of your teeth.
If you have silver fillings, it is possible to replace them, but you don't need to if you don't want to. There's no need to panic about the safety of your fillings, or assume that you have no choice but to pay for a new white filling. If your fillings are still in good condition, they can stay in place.
Silver fillings, also called amalgams, have been placed for decades and have served their purpose in dentistry. However, there are a few fundamental problems with silver fillings: They continue to introduce mercury into the environment. Patients are also generally concerned about mercury exposure.
White fillings are weaker than silver fillings and might not last as long. There is a higher chance of cavities reforming under the filling, called recurrent decay, with white fillings. White fillings tend to be more expensive than silver fillings.
Can I change my silver fillings to white? Yes, silver fillings can be replaced with white fillings but other options such as inlays and onlays may be more suitable when the filling is large.
You can eat or drink right after the procedure. A composite filling hardens immediately under UV light. Still, your dentist might recommend that you wait at least two hours before eating because your cheeks and gums might be a little numb from the anesthetic.
The chemicals in the mouth allow the metals in the amalgam to corrode. In many cases, amalgam shrinks and separates from the tooth. It lets food, sugar, and bacteria attack the tooth, leading to recurrent decay alongside a previous dental filling. It also causes the silver filling to turn black.
These days, white composite resin fillings are the standard among most dental offices. There are two reasons for this: white fillings just look more natural than silver fillings, and white fillings are much safer than their silver counterparts.
Silver fillings will eventually corrode and leak, which can cause new decay to develop underneath the filling. The leakage can also give a gray appearance to the entire tooth.
Advantages of white fillings
From a dentist's point of view, a white filling is better because it enables them to preserve more of the healthy tooth structure than they can with an amalgam filling. With more of the original structure left intact, the tooth is stronger and more durable.
In reality, the tissue of your tooth is still its usual white color but because light and color can gently show through your tissue layers, the filling darkens your tooth. The result? It looks sort of grey or dim.
Composite tooth fillings can often yellow or brown over time due to foods and beverages you intake, or other variables. If you get your teeth professionally whitened, the composite filling will not brighten and may be more noticeable.
Porcelain is one of the most natural-looking materials available. Porcelain fillings exhibit the features of natural teeth and are preferred for aesthetics.
The materials used for fillings and crowns can also create the appearance of gray teeth. Dental amalgam (silver-colored fillings) and glass ionomer, acrylic, porcelain, and metal crowns can look blue-gray at the tooth's surface.
It is best to avoid any hard, chewy, or sticky foods after a dental filling for up to two weeks. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity you may also benefit from avoiding hot or cold drinks and foods. There is no need to wait to brush your teeth after a dental filling.
Like other dental fillings, the service life of tooth-coloured bonded dental restorations also depends on various factors, the most important among them being one's oral health status and diet. However, according to the Cleveland Clinic, white fillings typically last around 10 years.
Composite resin also matches the natural luster of teeth. Once the material is hardened, Dr. Jobst can further polish the resin so it has a reflective quality similar to your natural tooth. White fillings are so natural looking that many of our patients can't tell where their fillings start and end.
Don't hesitate to brush your teeth or floss after a filling.
Did you know that you don't have to wait to brush your teeth or floss after a dental filling? As long as you brush gently and floss carefully around the tooth, you should be able to keep the area clean as usual.
Just like your natural teeth, staining foods and drinks can discolor your white filling and make it stand out. Avoid dark foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, berries and red wine. If you must indulge, rinse with water shortly after to prevent the staining agents from absorbing into your fillings.
Composite fillings may be toxic if they contain Bisphenol A (BPA) or other toxic materials. As those fillings wear down over time, toxic materials used in a composite blend may seep into the oral cavity.
The Best Types of Dental Fillings: Composite and Porcelain Fillings. The best and most popular types of fillings are composite and porcelain fillings. Both of these options offer their own benefits for patients with cavities.