White fillings are weaker than silver fillings and might not last as long. There is a higher chance of cavities reforming under the filling, called recurrent decay, with white fillings. White fillings tend to be more expensive than silver fillings.
While silver amalgams are expected to last for many decades, composite white fillings tend to last around 10 years, or even more if they are looked after properly. Besides, regular dental checkups also go a long way in ensure longer clinical life of dental filings.
Whilst white fillings used to be the more expensive option, these days both white and silver fillings tend to cost around the same price. They both last on average from 8-15 years, but if repair is needed for any reason, the white fillings are much easier to repair than the silver fillings.
But if we consider their durability, silver amalgam fillings are a good option for restoring the back teeth that receive heavy biting forces and last much longer than white fillings. In today's world, people have become very conscious about their appearance and smile.
Longevity of composite fillings: Depending on your dental hygiene and care protocol, composite fillings can last up to 12-15 years with no hassles. You should expect the filling to hold its strength for at least 5 years. This is shorter than the longevity period of amalgam fillings.
White fillings are weaker than silver fillings and might not last as long. There is a higher chance of cavities reforming under the filling, called recurrent decay, with white fillings.
These types of fillings are similar in many ways, and either are suitable for most types of cavities. However, there are a few difference, such as: Strength: Silver fillings are generally considered stronger than white fillings, though both are made to withstand biting, chewing and regular wear-and-tear.
Advantages of white fillings
From a dentist's point of view, a white filling is better because it enables them to preserve more of the healthy tooth structure than they can with an amalgam filling.
They do not actually adhere to tooth structure, which means they only physically sit there in the cavity space. This results in an abundance of fractures caused by large silver fillings. They don't look very good and they can even stain your teeth dark. Patients don't typically want to put more metals in their mouth.
Composite Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings are made from a mixture of fine glass and plastic particles. They are customized to match your enamel to blend in when you smile. Although they aren't made from metal, they are durable. They generally last 10 to 12 years before needing to be replaced.
White fillings, also known as resin composite fillings, are made of ceramic and plastic compounds. Because resin looks like natural teeth, these fillings blend right in with the tooth color. Resin composite fillings are now used more often than amalgam fillings, mostly for cosmetic reasons.
If the composite material is placed incorrectly or in bulk then the composite will shrink enough to either allow a little gap to form around the filling, or it will actually pull the tooth together. Either way the tooth will become sensitive to hot and cold.
Discolored fillings may be caused by leaking around the edges of a filling or staining from things we put in our mouth. When fluids leak underneath a filling, staining and decay may develop. Leakage may appear as a dark line around the edge of the filling or a dark area underneath the filling itself.
Gold fillings last the longest, anywhere from 15 to 30 years. Silver amalgam fillings can last from 10 to 15 years before they need to be replaced. Composite resin fillings don't last as long. You may need to replace them every five to seven years.
Decaying starts forming if the discoloration is due to a leaky dental filling. If you leave it for too long, you may require tooth extraction or a root canal. When your filling gets exposed to a wet environment, it starts breaking down and oxidizing. It results in black filling.
White fillings are also quite inexpensive compared to other options like crowns, and the process itself can be a lot quicker. The longevity of this type of filling is decent usually lasting around 7 to 15 years, as long as they are kept in good condition.
Silver Amalgam Filling
Compared to their gold counterpart, silver amalgam fillings provide a more modern look and are less expensive. Silver amalgam fillings typically last anywhere between 10-15 years.
It is okay to choose to replace fillings at any time, however, there are some considerations. Any time a filling is replaced more tooth structure is removed weakening the tooth.
The American Dental Association (ADA), the FDA and numerous public health agencies say that silver (mercury based) amalgam fillings are safe.
Composite tooth fillings can often yellow or brown over time due to foods and beverages you intake, or other variables. If you get your teeth professionally whitened, the composite filling will not brighten and may be more noticeable. If you have had professional teeth whitening, Dr.
How Much Does A Filling Cost? Fillings usually cost $50 to $150 for a single, silver amalgam filling, $90 to $250 for a single, tooth-colored composite filling, $250 to $4,500 for a single, cast-gold or porcelain filling. The average cost range is $100-$150 depending on the material used.
Composite resin fillings do not contain any mercury, and therefore they do not carry this particular risk. Additionally, composite fillings are stronger and more durable than their old silver filling counterparts. White fillings do not expand or contract in response to temperature changes (the way metal fillings do).
Today, many people prefer white fillings due to their natural aesthetic, and some also express a preference for composite fillings based on safety and environmental impact. If you have silver fillings, it is possible to replace them, but you don't need to if you don't want to.
White fillings don't have the same potential environmental or health risk posed by the mercury in amalgam fillings. Some people find they experience less post-treatment discomfort and sensitivity when using white composite fillings.
It is possible to make small improvements which will make a huge difference to the appearance of your smile. One small change that you can make is to change any amalgam (silver fillings) to white ones.