Posted on 10/11/2021 by Singing River Dentistry Madison
Many people are surprised to learn that not all dental fillings are made of silver. In fact, there is a wide variety of different types of dental fillings available today. Different materials and techniques may be used for each type depending on the application and desired result. This article will discuss the various types of fillings and provide you with tips on choosing which one is best for your situation.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are made of a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, and copper. These fillings have the longest track record for usage in dentistry because they were so easy to work with compared to other materials available at the time. The one drawback is that amalgam often darkens over time, leading some people to request that it be replaced with a white filling instead.
Amalgam fillings are typically the least expensive type of dental filling to purchase and install in your mouth. They can also last for many years if properly taken care of (brushing, flossing, etc.). However, there is some evidence that mercury vapor may come out during this process, so many people choose non-mercury alternatives instead.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are made of a mixture of glass and plastic. They were introduced in the 1970s to provide people with an option that is more aesthetically appealing than silver amalgam fillings. Composite can be used for smaller cavities, but they cannot replace large areas like larger teeth, so it is usually necessary to have two different fillings to accomplish this task.
Composite is much more expensive than amalgam, but people prefer them over silver since they are tooth-colored and do not darken with age as metal fillings can often do. Composite fillings may also need replacement far less frequently than amalgam because the material itself tends to last longer.
Thanks for reading! We hope you now have a better understanding of the different types of dental fillings and what they can do to help your teeth. If this post has piqued your interest, we recommend coming by our practice so that one of our dentists can look at how these options could work for you. Feel free to call us with any questions or comments as well.
About Us - Madison, AL | Singing River Dentistry Singing River Dentistry is a patient-centered dental practice, devoted to helping patients of all ages improve their oral and overall health. Call us! Singing River Dentistry Madison, 7559 Hwy 72 W, Suite 105, Madison, AL 35758 / 256 - 562 - 4001 / madison.singingriverdentistry.com / 3/22/2025 / Key Phrases: dentist Madison AL /
Many people are surprised to learn that not all dental fillings are made of silver. In fact, there is a wide variety of different types of dental fillings available today. Different materials and techniques may be used for each type depending on the application and desired result. This article will discuss the various types of fillings and provide you with tips on choosing which one is best for your situation.