Dentistry has come a long way over the years. While silver tooth fillings have long been used as a means to rid a tooth of decay and help to protect it from further damage, there are several other alternatives to silver that serve to be more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. There are many benefits to each type of filling and how they may be best used depending upon the individual acquiring them.
Gold Filling
Gold may be the most expensive type of metal to use in fillings. While it is a durable material that can last at least 10-to-15 years of use, it is costlier than other types of fillings and some may not prefer the color of a gold filling. It is not common that gold fillings corrode. Compared to silver amalgam, gold may be more pleasing aesthetically. Another thing to consider is that gold, when placed next to a silver filling, may produce a galvanic shock, although, this happens on rare occasion.
Silver Filling
Up until the use of natural-looking fillings, silver was the most popular material for fillings. However, because of its color, it may not be the most preferred, especially for teeth that are located toward the front of the mouth. However, it is generally the most cost-effective material for fillings, which is why some patients still prefer to have it.
It is also a durable material, producing fillings that last at least 10-to-15 years. Silver fillings may not be a good solution for smaller-sized fillings, as additional tooth-surface is required to be removed in order to secure the filling. Furthermore, a person may be allergic to the mercury that is mixed into the silver solution.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
There are a few types of tooth-colored fillings and they are the most preferred fillings. These fillings come in various shades of white. People prefer these types of fillings because they are less noticeable. They blend in with the surrounding teeth to give the appearance of a cavity-free mouth.
These types of fillings are generally more popular for teeth that need fillings toward the front of the mouth. Tooth-colored fillings can be used to repair broken teeth. Tooth-colored fillings also help to prevent future cavities as it seals cracks by bonding to the teeth.