Pick Your Perfect Dental Filling

When tooth decay strikes, dental fillings are a great way to save the day—and your smile! These tiny protective shields repair damage and halt further tooth decay, ensuring a healthy and radiant smile. Best of all, dental fillings are made of different materials, so you and your dentist can find the right type based on your individual needs and preferences.

Today, we’ll talk about two of the most common types—amalgam and composite, including their unique benefits and drawbacks and why one might be a better choice over the other. Orchard Dental Associates takes pride in providing patients with the latest in dental care, including offering composite fillings, commonly known as tooth-colored fillings. Our skilled team ensures that your dental restorations not only maintain your oral health but also seamlessly blend with your natural teeth, leaving you with a confident, beautiful smile.

What is a Composite Dental Filling? 

Composite fillings, or tooth-colored fillings, are made from a mixture of special plastic resin and powdered glass quartz, silica, and similar ceramic particles. The key advantage of composite fillings lies in their aesthetic appeal. Their color matches the natural shade of your teeth, which makes them a discreet option for those who are conscious about their smile. They are ideal for filling cavities in the front teeth or other visible areas of your mouth because of their natural appearance.

At Orchard Dental Associates, we firmly believe tooth-colored fillings are the superior choice for our patients. Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, composite fillings form a direct bond with your tooth, offering enhanced structural support and reducing the risk of breakage. While they may require occasional replacements, their seamless integration with your natural teeth and the added benefit of superior support make them an excellent option for long-lasting dental health and aesthetics.

What are the Pros and Cons of Composite Fillings?

The most significant benefit of composite fillings is their realistic appearance. These fillings blend seamlessly with the natural color of your teeth, making them an excellent choice for front teeth or any other visible areas of the mouth. As mentioned, they also bond directly to the tooth, which provides excellent support and reduces the risk of breakage.

However, composite fillings have a few downsides you should know about. One of the most significant issues is durability. While composite fillings are quite strong, they may not last as long as their amalgam counterparts, particularly in teeth that undergo heavy chewing. As a result, they may require more frequent replacements, which can increase long-term dental costs. That being said, you can expect a well-cared-for composite filling to last 5 to 10 years before needing to be replaced. 

What is an Amalgam Dental Filling?

Amalgam, or “silver fillings,” have been a reliable choice in restorative dentistry for over a century. They are made from a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury, which, when combined, create a strong, durable filling material. The mercury component, which is only a small fraction of the total mixture, is crucial as it helps bind the metals into a robust, hard-wearing compound.

Amalgam fillings are known for their durability and longevity, making them a suitable option for filling cavities in the back teeth where most of the heavy chewing occurs. However, their silver color can be a downside for some, as they’re quite noticeable when smiling or speaking. 

What are the Pros and Cons of Amalgam Fillings?

As we said, amalgam fillings are highly durable, resistant to wear, and typically last longer than other fillings, often 10 to 15 years, or more. Given their strength, they are particularly beneficial for large cavities in the molars and premolars, where the majority of chewing takes place. Amalgam fillings also have a more economical price tag, making them an affordable choice for many patients. 

However, amalgam fillings are not without their potential drawbacks.

The most significant disadvantage is their metallic appearance. Unlike tooth-colored fillings, which blend in with natural teeth, amalgam fillings are silver and are often noticed by others when you laugh or speak, potentially affecting your confidence. Moreover, the metal might discolor the tooth’s surrounding area over time.

Some patients also have concerns about the small amount of mercury present in amalgam. However, it’s worth noting that several scientific studies have concluded that these fillings are safe for adults and children ages six and above. Another consideration is that some people do have metal sensitivities that would make amalgam an inappropriate choice.

For all of these reasons, Drs. Orchard and Villamil prefer the use of composite fillings vs. amalgam options.

How Do I Decide Between Amalgam and Composite?

Making this choice requires considering several factors. Amalgam fillings, often referred to as silver fillings, have been a reliable option for decades due to their durability. However, they are conspicuous, which may concern those who prioritize aesthetics. 

On the other hand, composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, offer a discreet and natural appearance. They are an excellent choice for visible teeth or individuals who prefer a more cosmetically pleasing option. While amalgam fillings tend to last longer, composite fillings have gained popularity recently due to their aesthetic advantages. 

Patients today frequently opt for tooth-colored fillings, considering their dental health needs and the desire for a beautiful smile. Orchard Dental Associates delivers top-notch composite fillings, ensuring patients can confidently embrace this modern and attractive dental solution.

Beautiful and Durable Tooth-Colored Fillings at Orchard Dental Associates

If you need a dental filling, don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns and questions with your local family dentist in Corpus Christi. Schedule an appointment at Orchard Dental Associates today via phone or online request.