Traditional metal fillings have been replaced with tooth colored fillings. Advances in dental science have given dentists more options for tooth restoration. This makes fillings much less conspicuous. The materials used for tooth fillings need to be durable. There are many options for tooth fillings.
A metal filling is much more noticeable than tooth colored filling. A common metal tooth filling is called amalgam fillings. The amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of mercury, tin, silver, copper, and possibly other metals. Though amalgam fillings have been proven safe by government health agencies, some people remain concerned about the mercury content.
Gold alloys are another type of metal tooth filling. Gold alloy tooth fillings can contain gold or copper. The gold alloy fillings are strong, but not harsh on opposing teeth. However, the gold filling is highly noticeable.
Glass ionomers are tooth colored fillings used to fill cavities near or on the root surface of teeth. A glass ionomer filling is made from glass powder and acrylic acid. A unique benefit to glass ionomers is that they can release a small amount of fluoride. These types of fillings are not used for parts of the teeth subjected to high chewing pressure since they are susceptible to fracturing.
Composite fillings, also called composites or filled resins, are colored fillings that are made with quartz or glass in resin. Composite fillings are typically used for small to medium size fillings. One disadvantage of composite fillings is that they can become stained over time.
Some fillings require more than one dental office visit. The dentist may need to make a mold of the tooth and make a customized filling. Indirect composites are made in this way. These tooth colored fillings can be used as crowns, inlays, or onlays. These can be molded to match the bite pattern so that the opposing tooth is not subjected to wear.
Most dental patients are not aware of the numerous options available. The dentist will consider the needed strength, advantages, and disadvantages of the different types of fillings when determining which type of filling to use. If the person has a strong preference for one type of filling to be used or does not want one type of filling to be used, the person should discuss this with their dentist for the best tooth colored fillings.
