Almost no industry on earth provides as much value as dentistry. Every year, people in the United States spend more than
$150 billion on dental services. Dentists relieve people from pain and discomfort while also taking care of their long-term health and appearance.
The dental industry can be very complicated. In particular, there are many different types of dental fillings. Most people don't know very much about the different types of dental fillings, so they don't always realize which type of filling is right for them.
Taking a little bit of time to learn about dental filling options can help you pick the dental filling technology that best suits your individual needs.
So what exactly are the different types of dental fillings out there? What are the pros and cons of each of them? Read on to learn all about the most important things to understand about dental fillings!
Technology for
dental services has evolved over time. These days, there are a number of options for dental fillings that were not available in traditional dental care.
In most cases, there is no one kind of dental filling that is the best for all oral health situations. Rather, each type of filling comes with its own unique pros and cons.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings have been around for a very long time. Of course, dentists didn't choose to make fillings out of gold just because they looked good.
Instead, gold was chosen because it is
immune to corrosion. A good gold filling can generally last more than 10 years before requiring attention from a dentist.
On top of that, you can generally chew normally with a gold filling. It is strong enough to resist regular chewing forces. Some people also like that gold fillings stand out more.
On the other hand, some people prefer fillings that are very difficult to notice. On top of that, gold fillings can be very expensive.
Silver Fillings
Silver fillings are another option that lasts 10 years or longer. They are also strong enough to resist normal chewing forces.
On top of that, not only are they much cheaper than gold fillings, but they can even be more affordable than some of the other kinds of fillings that are not made out of precious metals.
Although some people like the appearance of silver fillings, they definitely stand out. Most people consider the appearance of silver fillings to be something of a disadvantage.
On top of that, placing a silver filling often requires your dentist to remove extra parts of your teeth.
Silver has a tendency to expand and contract in response to changes in temperature. If you are unlucky, it is possible that your filling could expand enough to actually cause a crack in your teeth.
Lastly, silver fillings are often mixed with other materials, including small amounts of mercury. Some people have an allergic reaction to the mercury in these fillings.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are designed to match the appearance of natural teeth. That makes them a great option for people who do not want to draw any attention to the fact that they have had fillings.
That also makes them a great choice for fillings on the front teeth, where people are more likely to notice a gold or silver filling. One of the great things about composite fillings is that they bond extremely well to your teeth. This makes them good for fillings as well as for repairing chipped or otherwise damaged teeth.
Unlike silver fillings, you can receive a composite filling without having to remove very much extra material from your teeth.
On the other hand, composite fillings sometimes last only about 5 years. They can also take longer to place and may require extra attention from your dentist across multiple visits. Composite materials can also be relatively expensive, although they are not as expensive as gold fillings.
Ceramic Fillings
In some cases, you can also receive ceramic fillings. They can be quite expensive, but they can often last even longer than gold or silver fillings. They are also extremely resistant to developing stains.
Glass Fillings
Glass ionomer is a special material that can be used to fill in tooth cavities. It releases fluoride, which can help keep your teeth strong
along with regular cleanings. However, it is weaker than most other fillings and may only last about five years.
