Sponsored article
Ever wondered the best option when it comes to dental fillings for maintaining peak oral health? This in-depth guide demystifies the components and applications of two common types of dental fillings – composite and amalgam. By understanding the benefits and differences of each, you are equipped to make healthier decisions for your dental care.
Composite fillings are a popular choice for maintaining dental health and enhancing oral hygiene. Often used for treating cavities, these restorations comprise a tooth-colored mixture of glass or quartz filler that provides durability and resistance to fractures in teeth subjected to high-pressure biting and chewing. A major advantage of composite fillings is their aesthetic appeal, preserving the natural look of your teeth while supporting tooth care. At St. Catharines Dental Centre, skilled dentists apply these fillings by cleaning the affected area, removing the decay, and layering the composite material – each layer hardened with a special light before the next is applied. Not only do they repair decayed teeth, but they also play a pivotal role in improving overall oral health.
Amalgam fillings, often dubbed as ‘silver fillings’, have been a cornerstone in dental procedures for over a century. Typically composed of a mixture of silver, tin, copper, and mercury, these fillings have been favored for their durability and long-lasting characteristics. Amalgam fillings prove to be a cost-effective solution, especially for large cavities, where they withstand the forces of biting and chewing and significantly prolong the life of damaged teeth. While less aesthetic as compared to their composite counterparts, amalgam fillings play a vital role in maintaining oral hygiene, as they act to prevent cavity progression and tooth decay. Hence, they continue to be an important part of restorative dental care.
When assessing the benefits and differences between Composite vs Amalgam dental fillings, each material has its unique characteristics to consider. Composite fillings are tooth-colored, offering a more aesthetic appearance compared to the silver look of Amalgam fillings. This makes Composite a popular choice for visible teeth. On the other hand, Amalgam fillings are highly durable and less susceptible to wear and tear, therefore typically outlasting Composite fillings. However, they may require more tooth structure to be removed during the filling process. Surprisingly, Composite has been noted to support dental structure by bonding to the tooth, unlike Amalgam. These differences are key to aiding in an informed decision regarding dental health options.
