White Fillings vs Silver Fillings
It’s important to understand the various options you have available to you for dental care. One of the most common problems that we face with our teeth is cavities. You can do a lot of things to prevent cavities, but you might still get them. There are several ways to deal with cavities, such as white fillings and silver fillings. Here is the difference between the 2 fillings and what you need to know.
White Filling
Another name for a white filling is a dental composite. This is tooth colored resin the dentist uses to fill in your cavity. The resident uses fillers and plastics like silica, and this bonds with the surface of your tooth.
White Filling Advantages
The main advantage of tooth-colored resin is that it looks like your natural teeth. This is often used on front teeth because of the natural color. The filling will also work well on the sides of your teeth. The fillings tend to adhere well to your teeth. The dentist is usually able to save more of your tooth during the drilling process when they use white filling. You can also save a lot of money when you use this type of filling. This type of filling usually will not corrode as it gets older, but the material might chip more often.
White Filling Disadvantages
One of the disadvantages of white fillings is that they can shrink during the curing process. This could allow bacteria to enter areas that are not protected. A white filling Can take longer to drive during the dental procedure, so the dentist has to keep the teeth as dry as possible. This can lead to a longer procedure than normal which will cost the patient more.
Silver Fillings
Silver fillings have been used for a long time. They are basically a blend of materials and not just silver. They provide a durable and strong alloy for the restoration of teeth. they are mainly made out of a mercury type of alloy. while these feelings do have a mercury element the World Health Association considers that silver fillings are safe to be used for dental patients. Mercury helps with the adhesion and the strength of the silver filling. The mercury level in silver fillings is very minimal.
Silver Filling Advantages
The main advantage of a silver filling is that it is adorable and very strong. Silver fillings don’t wear out as much as weight feelings do. This is why silver fillings are used more often for the rear teeth because you were chewing more often in this area. Most silver fillings will last many years if you take proper care of them. these feelings will also cost less when compared to white fillings. They are easily applied to the teeth, and you spend less time in the dentist chair.
Silver Filling Disadvantages
The disadvantages of silver fillings are that they are not the same color as your natural teeth. more tooth material needs to be removed to make room for the silver filling. As silver fillings age, they may discolor the enamel around the silver filling. You may have teeth that look a little grey in color. If the patient is drinking a lot of hot or cold beverages, the filling could expand as well as contract, and this can cause cracking. Another small disadvantage is that some people develop allergies to mercury. In this case, the patient can choose a white filling.
White Fillings Vs. Silver Fillings – Summary
A with any dental procedure it’s important to speak to your dentist about the various options available for you. Depending upon your individual situation, white fillings may be more beneficial to you, or you might want to go with silver fillings. Both of these dental procedures have advantages and disadvantages that you need to be aware of.
Contact Us at Golf Links Dental to discuss your options.