Has your dentist mentioned you may need a filling to treat a cavity or cracked tooth? While amalgam or “silver” fillings have been used for decades, many dentists now prefer tooth-colored composite fillings.
At Summit Dental in Spokane, we exclusively use composite resin fillings due to their natural aesthetics, longevity, and patient satisfaction. In this article, we will compare amalgam and composite fillings, looking at the pros and cons of each, to help you determine the best choice for your dental needs. We will also explore reasons why we think composites may be the best choice to repair and protect your smile.
The Evolution of Dental Fillings
For over a century, amalgam fillings made of liquid mercury and metal powder were the go-to for treating cavities. Amalgam is affordable, durable, and easy to work with. However, the unsightly silver color and concerns over its mercury content led to desire for more aesthetic, biocompatible alternatives.
Composite resin fillings were invented in the 1950s and have since become the most popular choice for their life-like appearance. Composites bond seamlessly to the natural tooth structure and come in customized colors and shading. Let’s compare the two types of fillings in greater detail.
What Are Amalgam Fillings?
Amalgam fillings contain liquid mercury along with various metals including silver, tin, and copper. The liquid mercury chemically bonds the metals together to form a putty-like filling material. Amalgam fillings are more affordable than composites, at a cost of $50-$150 per tooth. They also hold up well to the forces of biting and chewing.
However, amalgam fillings have visible silver coloring that can detract from a bright, natural smile. The mixture also expands and contracts slightly with hot and cold foods, which may eventually crack the surrounding tooth. Plus, some patients want to avoid the controversial mercury content, though modern amalgams pose little risk.
What Are Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings are made of plastic resin reinforced with powdered glass filler for durability. Dentists shape the putty-like material into the prepared cavity, where it hardens and bonds firmly to the existing tooth structure.
Composite fillings match the natural shade of your surrounding teeth for a discreet, flawless look. With proper oral hygiene, composite fillings last 5-10 years or longer before replacement is needed. The average cost falls between $75-$250 per tooth depending on size.
Composites allow for more conservative tooth preparation and are naturally insulating against temperature changes. While more expensive initially, composites often save money in the long run thanks to their longevity and aesthetic properties.
How Do Amalgam and Composite Compare?
Let’s break down how these two main types of fillings compare:
- Appearance – Composite fillings are matched to your exact tooth color and shade for the most natural aesthetics. Amalgam fillings are an obvious silver.
- Cost – Amalgam fillings are less expensive per tooth, but may need replacement sooner. Composite fillings involve a higher upfront investment but last longer in many cases.
- Durability – Both filling types are extremely durable. However, some composites may be prone to chipping if placed under excess biting forces.
- Tooth Preservation – More conservative tooth preparation is needed for composite fillings, maintaining more of the natural structure.
- Comfort – Composite expands and contracts similar to natural teeth, avoiding temperature sensitivity that can occur around metal amalgam fillings.
- Mercury Content – Composite fillings do not contain mercury, which is avoided by some patients.
What’s the Best Choice for Your Smile?
There are many factors that determine which filling material is right for an individual’s needs, including cost, tooth location, extent of decay, and personal preferences.
Before deciding on your choice of filling, it’s important to consider any allergies or sensitivities you may have to certain materials. Your insurance coverage will also play a role, as composite fillings often cost more. Look at the long-term cost difference, as cheaper amalgams may need replacement sooner than more expensive composite options. Most importantly, consult your dentist, as they will make a recommendation based on the size, location, and specifics of your cavity and dental needs.
That said, at Summit Dental we believe composite resin provides the ideal balance of strength, longevity, conservative nature, comfort, and aesthetic properties that patients desire in a filling material. Composite resists stains, matches surrounding teeth seamlessly, and forms a tight bond with the natural tooth structure.
For Spokane residents seeking an experienced cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice, Summit Dental only uses tooth-colored composite fillings in our procedures. We find that patients appreciate the natural, lasting results that enhance their smile.
Our Approach to Composite Fillings
At Summit Dental, Dr. Graber and our team have seen firsthand how composite fillings restore function and aesthetics effectively. We can match the newest composite shades to surrounding teeth precisely. These biocompatible fillings encourage healthy preservation of tooth structure.
Once cured with a special dental light, composite forms a tight bond with the tooth. The bonded filling is naturally insulating and absorbs chewing stress uniformly. Properly placed and cared for, composite fillings can last 7-10 years or longer before a simple polishing is needed.
“I didn’t even realize I had fillings. The composite matches my teeth so well. I appreciate how it looks and feels entirely natural,” says Paige S., Summit Dental patient.
Proper Care for Composite Fillings
With excellent oral hygiene, composite fillings will serve you well for many years. To get the longest lifespan from dental fillings, maintain excellent oral hygiene with daily brushing and flossing. Avoid chewing extremely hard foods, ice, or other items that can crack the filled tooth. See your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings. Report any pain, sensitivity, or changes around the filling to your dentist as soon as possible. With proper home care and professional dental cleanings, your fillings can last for many years
Choose Natural-Looking, Long-Lasting Composite Fillings
If you require a dental filling, composite resin likely provides the most ideal solution. At Summit Dental, we recommend composite fillings for repairing cavities, cracks, worn teeth, and defects. Composite matches adjacent teeth beautifully while protecting tooth structure.
To learn more and schedule an appointment, contact our Spokane dental office today. We look forward to giving you a healthy, natural-looking smile with precision composite fillings that maintain and restore tooth function.