When you are plagued with pain in your tooth, chances are you will need dental fillings to treat the cavity that is affecting you. There are different types of fillings used in cosmetic dentistry to repair a chipped, broken or tooth with a hole back to the normal shape.
Types of Dental fillings
There are five common dental filling used in cavity treatment. Below are the types available for treatment according to your damaged tooth or teeth.
Silver Amalgam Fillings
Silver Amalgam fillings are the most common fillings used by the dentist for cavity treatment. The filling is not of pure silver but a mix of silver, zinc, tin, aluminum, and 50 percent mercury.
The reason for using silver amalgam for filling is the durability, strength and affordability. A typical dental filling with silver amalgam will last well over 15 years if properly managed and executed by a certified dentist.
Another pro for using silver amalgam is there is no concern regarding contamination by either blood or saliva for the affected tooth or gum.
This isn’t to say that silver amalgam doesn’t come without its disadvantages. One of the first disadvantageous about this type of filling is that it doesn’t look good to the eyes. If you are the type that is self-conscious, then silver amalgam fillings will certainly mean fewer smiles.
They can also be susceptible air pockets for bacteria to breed under the filling, resulting in slight pain and discomfort.
Composite Fillings
These dental fillings are a combination of plastic and resin material used to fill the cavity. Originally soft, they harden after a blue light cures the material.
The pros of these fillings are that unlike silver amalgam, they are made to suit the color of your teeth for concealment when you smile. However, the con to this dental filling is that it lasts for a limited time in comparison to other types of fillings for a five-year increment replacement.
Ceramic Fillings
These are porcelain made, durable and glitter in the light. They are more expensive than other types of dental fillings. The reason for their expense is not unwarranted; they are scratch resistant, stain resistant and last long, appearing new with proper dental care.
The disadvantages are they are brittle and break easily hence needs to be thicker to prevent breaking.
Ionomer Fillings
These fillings are made of glass and acrylic and is considered the best type of filling for young children and adults whose teeth are still transitioning. Glass ionomer fillings last 5 years like ceramic fillings and offer great protection for the teeth.
The disadvantage of this filling is that it is even more fragile than composite filling and liable to wear and tear with continuous use.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are the best types of dental fillings you can afford. They are durable, non-corrosive, and retain their color after long use up to 15 years.
Are My Cosmetic Dental Fillings Insured?
Not completely, most insurance policies don’t cover cosmetic dentistry but will pay for partial charges of tooth fillings.
What Is The Cost Of Having A Dental Filling Done?
The cost depends on a lot of factors like the extent of the damage tooth/teeth, the facility, and the doctor and if you are insured.
However, the cost of a silver amalgam ranges between 50 to 150 dollars for a couple of teeth and almost 300 dollars for more than two teeth.
Tooth resin fillings cost between 100 o 250 dollars and almost 450 dollars for more. You should discuss the cost and payment options with your dentist near me to avoid any trouble post procedure.
What Are Indirect Fillings?
These are like composite filling except they are manufactured in your dentist’s lab after a couple of visits to the office before they are used on your teeth. The dental visits ensure that the structure looks and fits perfectly into your mouth without any discomfort.
After creating the structure, the temporary filling is removed and the new one is cemented into place. With that said, there are two types of indirect fillings:
- Â Â The inlays are just like the regular filling but lie within the bumps of the teeth.
- Â Â Â Â Â Â The Onlays are more elaborate and cover all over the crown of the teeth including the cusps.
Inlays are durable, effective, and unaffected by chewing or other mouth motions, with a life span of more than 30 years with proper management.
Cosmetic surgery is not just to fill the holes in your teeth; it is also a way to help restore stained, discolored, chipped, misshapen, or improve the general aesthetic of your mouth.
A cosmetic dentist will develop a suitable plan for you to gain the best smile and dental filling/cosmetic dentistry. Naturally, you need the best doctors and facility.
Edge Dental Houston is your one-stop dental facility that is changing the way we smile. With years for reputable work under our belt, we have worked with plenty of people by changing their lives with a good smile.
For more information or a good facility to resolve your teeth problems – visit us today at www.edgedentalhouston.com
Types Of Dental Fillings — FAQs
What Are the Different Types of Tooth Fillings Available?
There are several types of tooth fillings available, each designed for different needs.
The most common options include silver (amalgam) fillings, tooth-colored composite fillings, ceramic fillings, and gold fillings. Composite fillings blend with your natural teeth and are popular for visible areas. Amalgam fillings are known for strength and durability in back teeth. Ceramic and gold fillings can also be long-lasting and are often used in specific cases.
Your Houston dentist will consider the location of the cavity, the size of the damage, your bite pressure, and your cosmetic goals before making a recommendation.
Choosing the right filling doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Our family dentist in Houston will walk you through each option and help you feel confident in your decision. Schedule a visit at Edge Dental to discuss what works best for your smile.
Which Type of Dental Filling Is Best for Front Teeth?
For front teeth, tooth-colored composite fillings are usually the best choice.
Front teeth are highly visible when you smile and speak, so appearance matters. Composite fillings are carefully matched to the shade of your natural teeth, making them nearly invisible. A cosmetic dentist in Houston can sculpt and polish the material so it blends seamlessly with your smile.
Composite fillings also bond directly to the tooth structure, which helps preserve more of your natural tooth. While they may not be as strong as metal fillings for heavy chewing, they are ideal for areas that do not experience as much pressure.
If you have a cavity or chip in a front tooth, we can restore it beautifully and comfortably. Schedule an appointment with our Houston dentist to explore the best option for your smile.
Which Dental Filling Lasts the Longest?
Some of the longest-lasting dental fillings are gold and silver (amalgam) fillings.
These materials are known for their strength and ability to withstand heavy chewing forces, especially in back teeth. In many cases, they can last many years with proper care. Ceramic fillings are also durable and offer a more natural appearance. Tooth-colored composite fillings may not last quite as long in high-pressure areas, but they provide excellent cosmetic results.
The lifespan of any filling depends on oral hygiene, diet, grinding habits, and regular dental visits. Your Houston dentist will evaluate your bite and cavity size to recommend the most durable option for you.
With good care and routine checkups from your family dentist in Houston, your filling can protect your tooth for many years. Schedule a consultation to discuss your long-term options.
Can a Temporary Filling Last for Years?
A temporary filling is not designed to last for years.
Temporary fillings are placed to protect a tooth until a permanent restoration can be completed. They are made from softer materials and can wear down, crack, or fall out over time. While some patients may have a temporary filling stay in place longer than expected, it is not a long-term solution.
Delaying permanent treatment can lead to further decay or even the need for emergency dental care in Houston. If your temporary filling feels loose or uncomfortable, it’s important to have it evaluated promptly.
For lasting protection and comfort, a permanent filling or restoration should be placed as recommended. Schedule an appointment with our Houston dentist to ensure your tooth stays healthy and protected.
How Do Dentists Decide Which Type of Filling Is Right for a Patient?
Dentists choose a filling based on several important factors.
Your Houston dentist will look at the size and location of the cavity, how much pressure the tooth handles, your cosmetic preferences, and your overall oral health. For example, back teeth that absorb heavy chewing may benefit from stronger materials, while front teeth often require tooth-colored options for a natural look.
We also consider your dental history and any habits like teeth grinding. Every patient is different, so treatment should be personalized.
You don’t have to make the decision alone. Our family dentist in Houston will explain your options clearly and answer all your questions. Schedule a consultation at Edge Dental so we can recommend the best filling for your comfort, durability, and smile confidence.
