Tooth Filling Options: Metal or Composite?

When you're getting ready to visit the dentist to get a tooth filling, you may be presented with several options.

Although your dentist will help you decide which is best, you also get to have a say in the matter and should be able to make an informed decision.

When the choice is between a composite material and metal, there are three materials to consider: composite resin, silver amalgam, and gold. As you'll see, there are advantages and disadvantages to each of these.

Keep reading to find out more about these tooth filling options and to decide which is best for you.

Composite Resin

Also known as tooth-colored fillings, these are one of the most popular cavity-filling materials today. This is primarily because they're the most aesthetically pleasing option.

Composite resin is a mixture of plastic and glass or quartz. It's applied in layers which are cured using a UV light. They're used for filling cavities and repairing chipped or cracked teeth.

Here are some of the benefits of composite resin:

●Can be matched to the exact color of teeth

●Are used both in front teeth and back teeth

●Chemically bond to the tooth for more structural support

●Less of the actual tooth needs to be removed

●Cheaper than gold

Some of the drawbacks are:

●Not ideal for large cavities

●More expensive than silver amalgam

●Not always covered by insurance

●Can only withstand moderate chewing pressure

●Long application time (up to 20 minutes longer than metal fillings)

●Only last around 5 years

●Can chip off teeth depending on its location

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to choose composite resin, as well as some to choose something else. A small crack or cavity in the front of your mouth is best for composite resin.

Silver Amalgam

One of the metal options for tooth fillings is silver amalgam. This is the most popular type of tooth filling because it's durable and affordable. However, it's also considered unsightly which is why many people prefer the other options.

Silver amalgam is made up of a mixture of silver, copper, mercury, and tin. Rest assured that when mercury is mixed with these other materials, it is completely safe , even when used in your mouth.

Reasons why you may choose silver amalgam include:

●Cheapest tooth filling option

●Can last up to 15 years

●Strong enough to withstand chewing forces

●Can be used to fill large cavities

●Fast application time

Some reasons to pick another type of filling are:

●Don't match natural teeth

●Can discolor other nearby teeth

●Expanding and contracting in the presence of hot and cold foods can cause teeth to crack

●Requires more of the actual tooth to be removed

●Around 1% of people are allergic to mercury

Overall, silver amalgam is the best option for those who can't afford composite or gold fillings and who has a medium or large cavity in the back of the mouth where the filling won't be easily seen.

Gold Tooth Fillings

Having been part of dentistry for over 2500 years , gold fillings are here to stay. While they're up to ten times more expensive than silver amalgam, there are also a lot of benefits that make them ideal.

Gold inlay tooth fillings are actually made up of an alloy of gold, copper, and other metals. Gold foil is another type of filling used for small cracks and cavities which is applied directly on the tooth.

Here are some advantages to having cast gold fillings put in:

●Can last up to 30 years

●Doesn't corrode

●Strong enough to withstand chewing forces

●Considered more aesthetically-pleasing than silver amalgam

●Can be sold as scrap gold after removal

Some disadvantages include:

●More expensive than other options

●Require several visits to the dentist

●If placed next to silver amalgam, can cause galvanic shock to occur

●Doesn't match natural tooth color

If you have large cavities in the back of your mouth and want a filler that's going to last for many years, gold should be your material of choice. Even though it is more expensive to place, its longevity may make it worth it.

How to Choose a Filler Material

There are several things to consider when deciding between composite resin and a metal tooth filler. Not every material will be best for every situation. Different dentists may also have more skill and knowledge of certain materials.

Next, we'll look at some of the things you need to consider.

Location of Tooth

Most people would agree that the teeth at the front of the mouth are best filled with composite resin. This allows the repairs to blend perfectly with your natural tooth color, hiding the damage.

Teeth in the back of the mouth, on the other hand, don't need to be as carefully colored. For this reason, it's common to have silver amalgam and gold fillings in the back of the mouth.

Type of Damage

There are many types of damage a tooth can sustain, including cracks, fractures, cavities, and chips. Each type requires a specific type of repair which may not work with every material.

Size of Cavity

When it's a cavity that needs to be repaired, the size has to be considered when looking at fill material options. For example, composite material can't be used in larger cavities because it's not as strong as metal fillings.

Cost

The final thing you'll have to consider is the cost of the filling. Even if you have dental insurance, not every type of filling will be covered in every circumstance. Composite resin is often not covered if being chosen strictly for cosmetic reasons.

While gold is the most expensive tooth filler, some other things to keep in mind are that it can last twice as long as silver fillings and six times as long as composite resin, plus can be sold after it's been removed.

Where to Get a Tooth Filling

With a better understanding of the tooth filling options you have, you're ready to make an informed decision next time you need one.

If you're ready to schedule an appointment to have a cavity filled, then contact us today. One of our staff members will be more than happy to assist you in fixing your smile.