Silver vs. Tooth-colored Fillings

In the past, silver amalgram fillings were used to restore teeth that were damaged due to tooth decay and cavities. Advances in the field of dentistry have led to use of tooth-colored materials that can improve a tooth's health without compromising its appearance. At Artistic Expressions Dentistry, Doylestown cosmetic dentist Bruce Wilderman uses composite resin fillings that blend in with your natural teeth so the results of dental treatment remain discreet and unnoticeable. If your teeth are damaged and you are in need of Doylestown tooth-colored fillings treatment, contact our practice today. If you are unsure whether silver or white fillings are right for you, then read on to learn more about the benefits of composite fillings as compared to silver fillings.

The Advantages of Tooth-colored Fillings

Appearance: Composite fillings are custom fabricated so the material matches the color of your teeth.

Less damage to the natural tooth: When dentists fill a tooth, they must create space for the filling material by removing some of the natural tooth. More of the tooth must be removed in order to place silver fillings, when compared to composite fillings. Additionally, because metal fillings can expand and contract due to temperature changes, silver fillings can weaken what is left of your natural tooth.

Post-treatment pain: Dentists have found that patients that have tooth-colored fillings placed experience less tooth pain and sensitivity than those that have silver fillings placed.

Long lasting: Composite fillings last longer than silver fillings.

Possible health effects: Because silver fillings contain mercury, a substance that is known to be toxic, some people worry that silver fillings pose a risk of future adverse health effects.

The Advantages of Silver Fillings

Cost: Silver fillings are less expensive than tooth-colored fillings.

Duration of treatment: The silver filling treatment takes less time than the composite filling treatment.