Natural-Looking Repair for Cavities

The fact that we have many different types of fillings is great because it means that at Graham Family Dental, we utilize a few different types of fillings. We strive to give our patients options about the type of filling they receive and what is best for their oral health. Our doctors are happy to make suggestions based of their experience and what they believe works best each of our patients unique cases.

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Metal fillings like silver (amalgam) and gold have been around for a very long time. They’re considered extremely durable and can last up to 15 years. The problem with them is their appearance. Although silver fillings aren’t the most aesthetic option, their main benefits include being durable and cost effective.

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Gold fillings tend to be more aesthetic but are going to be more expensive than silver. Either way, we tend to use metal fillings for back teeth where they won’t affect the person’s smile.

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Composite fillings are very popular nowadays. They’re not too expensive, and they blend in perfectly with the rest of the teeth. It can be almost impossible to differentiate a person’s natural teeth from a composite filling they have put in. They’re also structurally sound. The main disadvantage of composite fillings is that they’re not very long-lasting and have a life of about five years.

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Ceramic fillings are made of porcelain. These are very expensive, but rightly so. Just like composite fillings, ceramic fillings blend in with the rest of the teeth. The advantage they have over composite fillings is that they’re more resistant to staining. Ceramic fillings also last about 15 years or more so you don’t have to worry about changing them.

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Glass ionomer fillings aren’t very popular. They’re mostly used in children, and they secrete fluoride to protect the teeth. They last about five years.

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Knowing the differences between the types of fillings is valuable knowledge. It’ll help you decide what’s best for you and what suits your priorities.

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