Amalgam -- The most common dental fillings, amalgam fillings are also known as silver fillings. Amalgam fillings are the least expensive type of dental filling and are so durable that they've outlasted many hairstyle fads, fashion trends and celebrity divorces. Aside from its most obvious aesthetic drawback amalgam fillings usually require more healthy parts of the tooth be removed to make a space large enough to hold the filling.
Composite Resin -- Composite resin fillings are best for those who care a lot about aesthetics as well as function because they can match the natural color of teeth. That makes composite fillings perfect for patients who don't want to smile showing front teeth with a touch of silver (which may turn bluish-gray over time). Composite dental fillings are also versatile enough to repair a chipped tooth, broken tooth or worn teeth. They are not as inexpensive as amalgam fillings, but also don't last as long.
Cast Gold -- Where there's silver, there's usually gold, and the same is true for dental fillings. Gold dental fillings are 10 times more expensive than most, but they are also more durable than other dental fillings, lasting up to 35 years. Gold dental fillings require up to two dental office visits to place and obviously, don't look like natural teeth.
Ceramic -- Another tooth-colored dental filling alternative to composite resin fillings are ceramic fillings, which are often made of porcelain, making them more resistant to staining. They are chemically bonded to natural teeth which can even strengthen them and may last for over 15 years.
Inlays and Onlays -- These are more visually appealing, stronger and longer-lasting alternatives to traditional dental fillings, used when not enough structure exists to support a dental filling or when a tooth is not so damaged that it needs a dental crown.
Temporary Fillings -- Temporary dental fillings are meant to last for about a month, and are used for a variety of situations:
- When there is not enough time or money to complete a full filling procedure
- For emergency dental treatment
- To follow a root canal
Learning about dental fillings is a great step toward restoring your smile, but the only way to put your knowledge to work for your smile is to visit a great dentist. If you need help finding a dentist in your area, we can help -- call us at 1-866-970-9853 to speak with our caring operators.
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