Composite fillings are the most widely-used dental filling material. They're made of glass or quartz in resin.
Advantages: Your dentist can closely match the color of a composite filling to the color of your surrounding natural teeth.
Disadvantages: Just like your own teeth, composite fillings can stain or discolor over time.
Your dentist may consider a composite filling if the cavity is small to medium-sized or if the affected tooth gets a lot of chewing action. These may also be a good choice for people who are afraid of dental work, since composite can be bonded in place – which means less drilling.
Dentists have used amalgam to fill cavities for more than a century. These fillings are alloys that combine silver, tin, copper, and mercury.
Advantages: Amalgam fillings are very durable and long-lasting. Plus, amalgam is one of the least expensive filling materials.
Disadvantages: Amalgam is silver-colored, so fillings will show. Cavities filled with amalgam are often temporarily sensitive to hot or cold.
You will need to discuss with your doctor as to which filling, it's best for you.
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Hi Anon,
Composite fillings are the most widely-used dental filling material. They're made of glass or quartz in resin.
Advantages: Your dentist can closely match the color of a composite filling to the color of your surrounding natural teeth.
Disadvantages: Just like your own teeth, composite fillings can stain or discolor over time.
Your dentist may consider a composite filling if the cavity is small to medium-sized or if the affected tooth gets a lot of chewing action. These may also be a good choice for people who are afraid of dental work, since composite can be bonded in place – which means less drilling.
Dentists have used amalgam to fill cavities for more than a century. These fillings are alloys that combine silver, tin, copper, and mercury.
Advantages: Amalgam fillings are very durable and long-lasting. Plus, amalgam is one of the least expensive filling materials.
Disadvantages: Amalgam is silver-colored, so fillings will show. Cavities filled with amalgam are often temporarily sensitive to hot or cold.
You will need to discuss with your doctor as to which filling, it's best for you.
Best,
Daisy
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