Dental fillings have primarily been performed using a metal amalgam since the late 19th century. However, this amalgam includes mercury, which is known to wreak havoc on the human body. Today’s amalgam fillings use only a minute amount of mercury, and the FDA has deemed them safe. Still, many patients prefer their fillings to be free of mercury, plus they often prefer the look of a filling that blends with their tooth coloring rather than an obvious metal filling.
The most common fillings types offered in modern-day dentistry are porcelain fillings or composite resin fillings.
Porcelain Fillings
Porcelain fillings bond easily to your natural tooth. In fact, they adhere much more easily to teeth than their amalgam predecessors. They are also tooth-colored, blending in seamlessly with your teeth and not visible to others when you are talking or laughing. They do not contain hazardous material, such as mercury.
They are very strong, and are great for larger cavities at the back of the mouth. With proper care and regular dental cleanings, they can last for decades.
Composite Resin Fillings
Composite resin fillings are made of powdered glass and acrylic resin. The mixture is inserted into the cavity in its malleable state, then hardened in place with a blue light. They are less expensive than porcelain fillings, but they also have about half as much life (typically lasting around 5 – 7 years as compared to porcelain’s 10 – 15 or more).
Which Is Right for You?
Porcelain fillings are a lasting solution that is ideal for most cases. They match tooth color and provide long-term stability. Composite resin still works, certainly, though you will likely need a new filling within the decade and the color of the filling is a bright white that doesn’t match your teeth (though still matches better than amalgam fillings!).
If you think you may need a dental filling in NYC, or you have an old amalgam filling you’d like to have replaced locally, Dr. Chavez would be happy to meet with you and advise you of all your options.
