Composite White Fillings
2nd May 2010
Cosmetic Dentistry Liverpool - White Fillings
Amalgam is a silver like metallic tooth filling that is a combination of zinc, lead, tin and mercury while composite (White Fillings) are tooth coloured filling composed of a polymer material that looks like a natural tooth.
White fillings have been proven to have more resistance to fracture making it effective compared to amalgam. They are also toxic-free while mercury used to make amalgams is regarded as toxic. In addition, composites are aesthetic.
The main advantage of using amalgam is cost since composite white fillings are found to be more expensive because it requires special expertise and expensive materials and training if they are to be placed right. Not surprisingly most if not all Insurance companies influence patients to choose the least expensive treatment and not the best for this reason!
Teeth that are restored with white fillings are less sensitive to cold and hot than teeth restored with amalgam. Composites also require less removal of structure compared to teeth preparations using amalgam fillings. The composites also restore the natural appearance of the teeth. Though the amalgam filling itself is stronger, it weakens the tooth making it more susceptible to falling out. However, in larger cavities and on the back teeth these materials are generally used due to this factor.
Recent studies have shown that composite fillings outlasts amalgam ones. Composites also have a more restorative material than amalgam.
Cosmetic Dentist Liverpool
