What is the difference between amalgam and composite fillings

Once the cavity has been opened up, an acidic gel is used to etch the exposed surfaces to aid adhesion. After rinsing off this conditioner, the dentist applies a bonding agent, which is hardened — cured — with a blue light. The dentist then places the putty-like composite in layers. Finally, the dentist shapes the filling to ensure a proper bite function and polishes the filling to a smooth, shiny finish. On the down side, composite fillings are more expensive — they can cost twice as much as amalgam fillings.

They may also not last as long as amalgam and may not be suitable for large fillings. Your child will also have to spend more time in the dental chair for a composite filling — up to 20 minutes longer than an amalgam filling. An experienced pediatric dentist will be able to tell you whether an amalgam filling or composite filling is most suitable for your child.

They can also advise you on preventative dental care — such as fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and sports mouthguards — to lessen the risk of your child getting cavities in the future. Dental professionals recommend that parents take their infant for their first dental exam soon after the first tooth appears or by the age of 12 months.

Teach your child how to brush their teeth properly — at least twice a day — and to floss regularly. Now, dentists are able to use composite fillings in the back of the mouth, but some dentists do not choose to for few reasons.

Other reasons dentists choose to forgo this advanced method is that even with the advancement, they do not last a long time and can wear out easily due to chewing and grinding. Hence, dentists choose to go with the older and tested option of dental amalgam fillings. In comparison to its successor, dental amalgam have shown to withstand the test of time, as they can last up to eight to ten years, and sometimes, even more.

By far, they are the best option to fill cavities located in the back of the mouth, as the area is constantly getting wet.

Other factors that make dental amalgam a great choice; it is cost-effective and easy to maintain. The only disadvantage that people see is its color. In an age where aesthetics is at the forefront of many medical and dental treatments composites have emerged as a wonderful alternative to metal fillings and overly destructive crown and veneer options when redesigning a smile.

Patients have the option to walk into their dental appointment and leave with a new smile on the same day. A smile that has been designed to their own specifications with regards to the size shape and shade of their teeth.

Composite resin restorations can play a vital role in tooth whitening treatments. Patients are normally advised to whiten their teeth prior to placing anterior composite restorations so that the dentist is able to place a shade of composite that naturally blends in to the new shade of the teeth. This provides a less costly option for patients who desire a celebrity style smile. There are numerous digital smile design systems available nowadays, where dentists and technicians can work closely together to pre-plan a brand new smile for patients without the use of any crowns or veneer.

This provides a less costly option for patients who desire a celebrity style smile whilst requiring less chair time for both the dentist and the patient. Knowing all the facts about these two restorative options my choice would always be to opt for composite resin where viable. It is always recommended to listen to the advice given by your dentist regarding which treatment options are suitable for you, as even composites have their own limitations with where and when they can be used.

Learn more about mini smile makeovers here. And to find an Enlighten whitening expert near you, hit the button below. With the dental filling in place, you can enjoy restored function and better oral health. Amalgam fillings are made from a variety of metals, such as silver, mercury, zinc, and copper. They are often referred to as silver or metal fillings. Compared to composite resin, this type of filling is more affordable and offers longer-lasting results.

When properly cared for, an amalgam filling can last up to 15 years. Because of the metal alloy used, amalgam fillings offer stronger resistance to damage, making then a superior choice for larger areas of decay.

However, in recent years, amalgam fillings have a developed a bad reputation due to the mercury in the material used. Mercury is a heavy metal and some patients are particularly sensitive or allergic to it. Another downside is its appearance. Silver fillings are more noticeable, especially when laughing or open-mouth smiling.