28/04/2024
So what's the difference (apart from the colour) with amalgam (silver) fillings and tooth coloured fillings (composite)?
Amalgam fillings have been around a lot longer and are still being used in general dentistry today. There has been a lot of controversy regarding amalgam fillings and weather it is safe.
Our opinion at Charlton Village Dental is yes it is safe to use, otherwise we wouldn't use it. Our dentists and nurses & their families that have been naughty enough to get fillings have amalgam fillings in their own mouths.
Amalgam is a blend of different metal materials amalgamated together (hence the name)
It is a very tough material and can last years and years.
Composite fillings are tooth coloured, made from resin & a glass mixture & comes in many different brands and shades.
It has also been around for a long time, but not as long as amalgam. It is more of a sticky material and is cured with a light to set. Generally you can eat on it straight away but we do advise a sensible diet and to avoid any foods that may stain it for a few days.
The main reason people tend to have composite is the aesthetic component. Composite is almost undetectable to the eye when done well.
Will they both last the same amount of time? This is impossible to answer, there are many factors why fillings can last a lifetime or not long at all, these include the shape of the cavity, diet, how well you are looking after it, how well the filling has been placed.
Our dentists will always advise which material they think is best for your specific tooth, the pro's and con's but ultimately it is your decision.
In conclusion both materials are safe to use when the correct protocols are followed, the main difference is the appearance and your personal preference.
