Silver filling, also caller dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury and an alloy of silver, tin and copper. It has been used for more than 150 years and it is estimated that well over 1 billion amalgam restorations (fillings) are placed annually. Many dentists prefer to use dental amalgam because it is easier to work with than other alternatives. However, the amalgam has a totally different color than the natural teeth and can be seen easily on your teeth. In addition, dental amalgam is not recommended to pregnant women due to the content of mercury. It has been recently reported that the procedure to place a silver filling will not be allowed in Sweden.
White filling uses a composite resin which is a tooth-colored resin mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide). Introduced in the 1960s, dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth. Since then, composites have been significantly improved and can be successfully placed in the back teeth as well. Composites are not only used for restoring decay, but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.
When using white filling, the dentist places the composite in layers, using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth. The dentist then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear.
Esthetics is the main advantage, since dentists can blend shades to create a color nearly identical to that of the actual tooth. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes. Because a composite is more difficult to place than silver fillings, it takes the dentist about 10 to 20 minutes longer to place. Placement time depends on the size and location of the cavity. The cost of white filling varies, but average about one-and-a-half to two times the price of a silver filling.
For more information, please call Dr. Sun at 661-799-8800, visit www.DrSunDDS.com , or go to her dental office at 23450 Lyons Avenue, Suite B, Newhall.