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The Different Types of Dental Fillings
Fillings for teeth can be made from a variety of materials, including amalgam, porcelain, gold, and composite resins. Each material used for dental fillings comes with its own pros and cons. Here are some of the different types:
Natural Looking Composite Dental Fillings
Composite fillings are created to take on the shape and appearance of your natural teeth making them blend in with your smile.
Because these fillings are tooth-coloured, it makes them a discreet option. These materials are also relatively easy to shape and mould onto teeth. Because they bond naturally to teeth, your dentist will not have to remove as much existing enamel during the preparation process.
To place this type of filling, your dentist will remove any decay from the tooth and then apply bonding material to the inside of the cavity. After that, thin layers of composite resin are poured into the hole. With the help of curing light, each layer hardens to a solid state. When the final layer of the filling has hardened, your dentist will shape the filling so that it matches the shape of your natural teeth.
Strong Tooth-Coloured Porcelain Fillings
A strong, tooth-coloured dental restoration is created by combining hard and brittle porcelain fillings with metal, which results in a tooth-coloured dental restoration.
A porcelain filling is created in a dental lab and returned to your dentist, who cements it in place in your mouth. It is typically necessary to schedule at least two dental appointments to complete the procedure.
Long-Lasting Amalgam (Silver) Dental Fillings
Silver in colour, amalgam fillings are frequently used to fill teeth located at the back of the mouth. They are a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, copper, and tin, among others.
While the silver colour may not be appealing to people who prefer a more natural appearance, they may be recommended as a long-lasting option, especially for those who are harder on their teeth.
Durable Gold Dental Fillings
To create a cast gold filling, a model of your tooth must be created. A mixture of gold and other metals, such as silver and copper, is used to create these pieces.
Much like porcelain fillings, this type of dental filling is made in a dental lab and then returned to your dentist, who cements it into place inside your mouth. As a result, this type of filling typically requires at least two dental appointments to complete.