Types of Tooth Fillings

There are two primary categories of tooth filling cary north carolina types: composite or amalgam. Composite fillings are more natural looking and comprised of glass and plastic, whereas amalgam fillings are made up of bound together metals and do not resemble the natural color of your teeth. Both filling types are considered to be safe and effective according to the American Dental Association (ADA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Within these broad categories, there are a range of dental filling types that are distinct in the type of material they are made of, what area of the mouth they are best suited to address, how much they cost, and what their overall longevity is.

Here is a concise overview of the different type of filling materials you can choose from.

Composite Resin

Type of material: Fine glass particle and plastic mixture
Used for: Small/large fillings that are most visible
Cost: More expensive than amalgam but less costly than gold
Longevity: 5+ years

Pros

  • Generally only requires one visit
  • Looks natural
  • Strong heat cured bond
  • Bonds directly to tooth

Cons

  • Costlier than amalgam fillings
  • Can shrink in size and create gaps, which can cause additional cavities to develop
  • Procedure can take longer than other filling types

Ceramic

Type of material: Porcelain
Used for: Veneers, implants, inlays and onlays, orthodontic brackets, crowns
Cost: Equivalent to gold
Longevity: 7+ Years

Pros

  • Resistant to staining than composite resin.
  • Natural look and feel

Cons

  • Not as strong and more likely to break compared to composite resin
  • Requires reducing tooth size to prevent breaking

Glass Ionomer

Type of material: Acrylic + glass
Used for: Front teeth fillings, cement for inlay fillings, roots, baby teeth, and around necks of teeth.
Cost: Equivalent to composite resin
Longevity: 5+ Years

Pros

  • Natural color
  • Bonds directly to tooth which minimizes risk of decay
  • Releases fluoride

Cons

  • Not as strong as composite resin
  • Procedure is longer than other filling material options

Amalgam

Type of material: Mercury, silver, tin, zinc, copper
Used for: Back teeth
Cost: Least expensive option
Longevity: 10+ years

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Strong filling type that is able to withstand chewing
  • Not as sensitive to moisture compared to other filling types
  • Can generally be completed in one visit

Cons

  • Does not match color of surrounding natural teeth
  • Does not directly bond with tooth
  • Tarnishes/discolors over time
  • Some patients are allergic to mercury

Golhund

Type of material: Gold + other metal types
Used for: Crowns, Inlays and onlays
Cost: Tends to be a costlier option
Longevity: 15+ Years

Pros

  • Long lasting and incredibly durable
  • Will not corrode
  • Unique aesthetic appearance

Cons

  • One of the costlier filling type options
  • Placement of filling requires at least two dental visits
  • Does not match color of surrounding natural teeth
  • Galvanic shock has been known to occur when placed next to amalgam fillings

More About Tooth Fillings : How Much Do Dental Fillings Cost?