If you’ve got a cavity in your tooth, you may be weighing up your options. There are two main choices when it comes to filling the teeth: amalgam fillings or white fillings. In the past, most people opted for amalgam fillings because white fillings weren’t widely available, and the materials weren’t strong enough for the back teeth. Today, white fillings are much more popular. If you’re looking for an aesthetically pleasing solution, which is also better for your teeth, we recommend white fillings every time.
What is the difference between white and amalgam fillings?
The main difference between white fillings and amalgam fillings is the material used to fill the cavity. White fillings are made from dental composite combined with resins and glass ionomers. Amalgam fillings are made from mercury amalgam. White fillings, as you can probably guess, are white in colour while mercury fillings are silver. The actual shade of your white filling will be chosen to match your natural tooth colour as closely as possible; there are many different shades of composite, so our dentists can achieve a very close match.
Many people prefer to have a filling that isn’t visible when they speak or smile, but some are also concerned about the safety of mercury amalgam fillings. White fillings are better for the environment, and your health. Although amalgam fillings are approved for use in the UK, they have been banned in other countries.
Why would I need a filling?
Fillings are used to fill cavities, holes in the teeth. If you have a cavity, there’s a risk of harmful bacteria reaching other parts of the tooth. Placing a filling reduces this risk, and helps to keep your tooth strong and healthy.
If you have questions about white filings or you’re interested in having old amalgam fillings replaced with white fillings, call us today!
Tags: Amalgam, Healthy, Mercury, White fillings
