Dental Fillings

dental fillings

What are the different types of fillings?

1. Amalgam (silver) – These are the most common type of silver-coloured fillings. They contain a mixture of metals including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Although they offer strength and durability, some people don’t like the way they look.
2. Gold – Some people find gold fillings more aesthetically pleasing than amalgam fillings. They may cost more than amalgam fillings, but when used and maintained correctly they can last a very long time.
3. Composite (tooth coloured) – Fillings made of a tooth-coloured composite (powdered glass and ceramic added to a resin base) are popular because their colour can be matched to your teeth. Apart from looking like natural tooth, it has the advantage of being chemically bonded to tooth structure and providing a better seal
4. Ceramic (tooth coloured) – Ceramic fillings are often made of porcelain, which makes them durable and aesthetically pleasing. Usually, they have to be carefully made by a dental technician and so can be more expensive than composite fillings. They are however very strong which makes them suitable for larger cavities.
5. Glass ionomers – These fillings are often a good choice for children as they can release fluoride, which can help prevent further tooth decay. They’re rarely used on the biting surface of adult teeth as they can wear more rapidly than other types of filling material.