What’s the Difference Between Silver Fillings vs. White Fillings?

Many parents dealing with tooth cavity on their children often ask the question, ‘Which is the best type of filling for my child?’  Fillings come in different kinds of material – amalgam, ceramic, composite and glass ionomers. However, there are two most common types of choices that dental patients decide when it comes to dental fillings – white fillings or silver fillings.

White Fillings – Pros and Cons

Many people prefer white fillings over silver fillings because of the following benefits:

·         Many patients report less sensitivity or discomfort after the treatment

·         Ideal for young patients due to less sensitivity post-treatment

·         Less removal of tooth structure

·         There’s no health risks involved in the use of white composite fillings

·         Since it is white in color, the dentist can easily blend the color to the adjacent teeth.

However, there are some downsides to this option that you should know:

·         White fillings are a bit expensive than silver fillings.

·         Using composite material demands higher level of expertise on the dentist’s part. This explains the higher cost.

Silver Fillings – Pros and Cons

Still today, many dentist still offer silver fillings to dental patients. There are several reasons why some patients prefer this option:

·         Treatment using silver filling takes less time

·         Application of silver filling doesn’t require advanced tools, which lowers the cost of treatment

·         Has been used for many years, with an long-term record in term of safety

Unfortunately, there are a number of downsides with the use of silver fillings:

·         A bigger amount of natural tooth structure needs to be removed to apply the silver filling. This can further weaken the tooth, making them prone to breaking.

·         Changes in temperature in the mouth can cause the filling to expand which can damage the tooth.

·         Some patients are worried of the potential health risks of the mercury present in amalgam filling.

·         Silver amalgam is very noticeable and does not look natural. This may not look pleasant if your child has a mouth filled with cavities.

Even though the materials and techniques on dental fillings are improving day by day, prevention is still better – which means, having no filling at all. Dental cavities can be prevented through proper brushing habit, having low sugar diet, eating foods rich in calcium and phosphorus and following your routine dental check-ups.

What to Expect About Getting a Dental Filling

When your pediatric dentist tells you that you have a cavity, she often advised you to have a dental filling to protect the tooth from further decay. If left unfilled, a cavity can only worsen and the decay could lead to bone loss. The good news is that tooth-filling procedure is almost painless thanks to advancements in dentistry. Today, there is no reason not to get a filling if your dentist advises it.

Dental Filling vs. Sealant

One of the main differences between a filling and sealant is the longevity. A filling can last for as long as 10 years, whereas dental sealants may only last for a year. In reality, dental sealants don’t actually last that long and may depend on the person’s oral hygiene practices. Sealants are often given to kids to protect their molars from the development of decay.

On the other hand, fillings are given as a treatment measure to eliminate the hole left when the dentist removes existing tooth decay.

What to Expect from a Dental Filling

One of the main things to expect when having your kids a filling is a conversation with the pediatric dentist on the type of material to be used. There are several options of filling material available today and your choice may depend on a mix of factors such as the appearance, the function and the cost.

Some options for dental filling material include:

·         Amalgam. This is a silver-colored filling, composed of a mixture of metals such as tin, copper, silver and mercury. They are strong, durable and cheap but a lot of people do not like the appearance of silver.

·         Composite. This is a tooth-colored filling made from resin and glass. Composite can match the color of your teeth, however, they’re not as metal and may have to be replaced more often.

·         Ceramic. This is often made of porcelain and are popular among those who want to have a natural looking tooth. They can be abrasive when they hit against a natural tooth. Your pediatric dentist has to make sure that your bite is correct to prevent tooth wear.

·         Glass ionomers. They are acrylic and glass fillings that bond chemically to dental tissues and slowly release fluoride over time. They are ideal for low stress areas and are often place on the front teeth or on root. They are commonly used in kids as a short-term fix for baby teeth.

After you have your filling, make sure to take good care of it. It is important to practice a regular dental health routine such as brushing the teeth twice daily and daily flossing. Be sure to see your pediatric dentist for regular checkup because you may not notice when the filling begins to wear down. If a dental filling falls out or breaks, immediately see a dentist for repair or replacement.