Your Tecumseh Invisalign® Provider
If you have a cavity that requires a dental filling, there are several different types of materials that can be used to complete the task. Amalgam, gold, porcelain, and composite are some of the most commonly used filling materials. In today's post, our Tecumseh dentists explain the differences between them to help you decide which might be better for you.
Teeth can be filled with a variety of materials, such as amalgam, porcelain, gold, and composite resins. These materials all have advantages and disadvantages in addition to being durable and safe.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are plastic tooth-coloured fillings that look and feel natural when placed in a patient's mouth.
Since composite fillings are the same shade as your natural teeth, the rest of your smile will look completely natural with them in place. Since these materials bond naturally to teeth, your dentist won't need to remove as much existing enamel during the preparation process because they are also relatively simple to shape and mould onto teeth.
Your dentist will remove any decayed areas of the tooth before applying bonding material to the cavity's interior in order to place this kind of filling. Thin layers of composite resin are then added to the hole. Each layer becomes solid by using a curing light to help it harden. Your dentist will shape the filling to match the shape of your natural teeth once the final layer of the filling has hardened.
Porcelain Fillings
A strong, tooth-coloured dental restoration is created by combining hard and brittle porcelain fillings with metal, which results in a tooth-coloured dental restoration.
In a dental lab, a porcelain filling is created and returned to your dentist, who cements it in place in your mouth. In order to complete the procedure, at least two dental appointments are usually required.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings, which are silver in colour, are commonly used to fill teeth in the back of the mouth. They are made up of a variety of metals, including mercury, silver, copper, and tin.
While the silver colour may not appeal to those who prefer a more natural appearance, it is a long-lasting option for molars that are subjected to a lot of wear and tear.
Gold Fillings
In order to create a cast gold filling, a model of your tooth must be created. A mixture of gold and other metals, such as silver and copper, is used to create these pieces.
This type of dental filling, like porcelain fillings, is made in a dental lab and then returned to your dentist, who cements it into place inside your mouth. As a result, this type of filling usually necessitates at least two dental visits.