What are dental fillings made of?
Dental fillings have been around for thousands of years. They were first made from beeswax and other natural materials. Now, modern dentistry offers a variety of materials to restore teeth, such as gold, porcelain, composite resin, silver amalgam, and glass ionomer.
Gold Fillings
Gold is one of the most durable options for filling material. While gold may not blend in seamlessly with natural teeth, it can last for decades if cared for properly. However, gold fillings are often more costly than other materials.
Porcelain Fillings
Many people choose porcelain fillings because of their natural, tooth-colored appearance. Porcelain fillings often last around 10-15 years and are stain-resistant to colored foods like tea, tomato sauce, and dark sodas. However, porcelain may not work for large cavities because of its density, which requires more of the tooth’s healthy pulp to be removed.
Composite Resin Fillings
Composite resin fillings are designed to match the color of the natural teeth, making them an excellent choice for visible areas like the front teeth. However, they are less durable than other options, lasting around seven years.
Silver Amalgam Fillings
Silver amalgam fillings are made of a mixture of metals and last up to 15 years. These fillings are quite strong, though they are more noticeable than other options. Because of this, amalgam fillings are a popular choice for the back teeth.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Glass ionomer fillings are typically only used on baby teeth and the sides of teeth. They bond directly to teeth, releasing fluoride, and last around 5 years.
Find the Filling That Fits Your Needs
Each type of filling has its advantages depending on the location of the cavity, your budget, and aesthetic preferences. At Hale Family Dentistry, our team is dedicated to helping you maintain excellent oral health and will guide you in selecting the filling material that best meets your needs.
Schedule a consultation or cleaning today to learn more about your options.