Smile Makeover

Amalgam Versus Composite Fillings

If you have cavities, you need to choose between silver amalgam and composite fillings. In both cases, your dentist will remove the tooth decay and place the filling. However, the two choices have quite a few differences. Learn more about your filling choices, so you can make a decision.

Compare amalgam and composite fillings

Amalgam fillings are made from silver, tin, copper and mercury. Composite fillings are made from a composite resin material. Both options protect the teeth after a cavity. However, the two have distinct differences.

Appearance

The first difference is the most noticeable. Composite resin fillings are tooth-colored. Dentists match the color of the patient’s natural teeth to the color of the composite resin. While amalgam fillings consist of various metals, the fillings have a silver appearance. Silver fillings stand out when people talk and smile.

Longevity

The metals used to make silver amalgam fillings make the fillings extremely durable. Silver fillings typically last for 10-15 years. Composite resin is not as strong as metal, and the fillings usually last for five years. In both cases, the fillings can last for longer or shorter durations, depending on how patients care for them. Also, the location of the filling impacts how long it lasts. For example, composite resin fillings can last 10 or more years when on the front teeth.

Filling stability

Silver fillings typically last longer than composite resin fillings do. However, silver fillings expand and contract when exposed to hot and cold temperatures. Expansion can cause the teeth to crack. When the filling contracts, food can get underneath the material and cause additional decay. Composite resin fillings do not change in size.

The preparation

Dentists use dental drills to remove decay before placing the fillings. Dentists must also remove some of the healthy tooth structure to make room for the filling, but the amount depends on the filling material selected. Silver fillings do not bond to the tooth, so dentists must remove a large amount of the healthy tooth structure to place the fillings. Composite fillings bond to the tooth, so dentists do not need to remove nearly as much of the tooth’s structure. This allows the tooth to maintain its natural strength.

The procedure

Dentists remove the decay and place silver amalgam fillings. However, the process for placing composite resin fillings is more involved. Dentists must place the composite resin material in layers, using an ultraviolet light or laser to harden each layer. This process takes longer than placing silver amalgam fillings.

Choosing a filling material

Before you choose a filling material, consider the differences between the two. Composite fillings match the existing teeth, while silver fillings stand out. Silver fillings tend to last longer, but the material can expand and contract. You will keep more of your natural tooth if you get a composite resin filling, but the process will take longer. If you are unsure which option is the right choice for you, talk to your dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.mytotaldentistry.com or call McCarthy Dentistry at (740) 546-5178 for an appointment in our Marietta office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Ask Cosmetic Dentist If Veneers Right For You

An experienced cosmetic dentist can provide dental veneers to help you regain your smile. The custom-fit shells can improve your looks. Each one can even provide support for your teeth. Here are the questions to ask your cosmetic dentist to find out if getting veneers will be a good decision for you.These thin shells go…

Cosmetic Dentist Can Give You A Smile Makeover

Being unhappy with your smile can impact how you view yourself and socialize. Cosmetic dentists understand this, so they are committed to providing patients with the smile of their dreams. They do this through smile makeovers. Smile makeovers are custom for each patient and encompass various services. Here are the five most common.Dental bonding is…

How A Cosmetic Dentist Can Transform Your Smile

Your cosmetic dentist can improve your smile with specific techniques. Assessing the issue comes first. Discussing the treatment options will follow. Here are the details on how a cosmetic dentist can rejuvenate your smile.A stunning smile comes with good functionality. The cosmetic dentist will focus on improving the appearance of one’s smile, but at the…

Smile Makeover Options With A Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist is the best type of professional to utilize when preparing to undergo a smile makeover, a process in which various dental procedures are performed to transform and improve one's smile. Multiple procedures can be part of the smile makeover process, but many patients may not know what those might be. Since dentistry…

Dr. McCarthy

Share
Published by
Dr. McCarthy

Recent Posts

Ask Cosmetic Dentist If Veneers Right for You

An experienced cosmetic dentist can provide dental veneers to help you regain your smile. The…

1 day ago

Cosmetic Dentist Can Give You a Smile Makeover

Being unhappy with your smile can impact how you view yourself and socialize. Cosmetic dentists…

3 days ago

How a Cosmetic Dentist Can Transform Your Smile

Your cosmetic dentist can improve your smile with specific techniques. Assessing the issue comes first.…

1 week ago

Smile Makeover Options With a Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist is the best type of professional to utilize when preparing to undergo…

2 weeks ago

Visiting an Emergency Dentist for a Cracked Tooth

An emergency dentist is a dental professional that offers prompt dental visits for patients with…

2 weeks ago

Professional Teeth Whitening to Improve Your Smile

A single whitening treatment performed by a dentist can improve the color of a person's…

2 weeks ago