Are Tooth Colored Fillings Better Than Dental Amalgam?
Tooth colored fillings are dental restorative materials used to repair or restore damaged tooth. Also known as white fillings, these materials have become a popular option for people who wish to retain the appearance of natural teeth. Tooth colored fillings can make repaired teeth look natural. They have the same color as natural teeth so they meld naturally to the repaired tooth without showing obvious signs of repair. White fillings are made from composite resin. They serve the same purpose as amalgam or silver fillings; that of filling chipped tooth damaged by cavities. White fillings vs amalgam Amalgam is the most common dental restorative material used to repair damaged or chipped tooth. It is highly resistant to stress and can withstand wear and tear caused by chewing. Amalgams are made from alloys that combine silver, mercury, tin, copper and other metals. Although strong and stable, amalgams can be clearly seen because of its silvery color which contrasts with the natural color of teeth. Although amalgams are considered stronger and more reliable, most people are opting for white fillings for aesthetic purposes. White fillings are practically invisible and are not as obvious as amalgams. There had also been concerns about the mercury content of amalgams, although experts have pointed out that the presence of other metallic elements neutralizes whatever risk is present in mercury. Cost and level of protection White fillings, although not considered as strong as silver amalgam, are sturdy enough to protect teeth. They are ideal for small to medium restoration jobs and are said to be able to withstand the stress caused by chewing. Tooth-colored or white fillings can cost between $150 and $250 per tooth depending on the extent of the damage and the technique that will be used by the dentist to fill up the damaged part. The process of repairing teeth using white fillings can take longer than when a dentist is using traditional amalgam fillings. These fillings also need constant care and proper cleaning since they can be prone to staining and discoloration over time. Although they look better than amalgam fillings, tooth-colored materials are not for all types of conditions, particularly if the tooth to be repaired is located in areas where high stress is expected or the damage to the tooth is quite extensive. Tooth colored fillings are becoming more popular among dental patients because of their more pleasing appearance compared with amalgam fillings. They are also strong enough to protect the tooth, although proper care is still needed to make these dental fillings last long. |
