Good News About Modern Fillings

Years ago, getting a filling meant ending up with an obvious, silver-colored addition to an existing tooth. The old-fashioned fillings were usually made of amalgam, a combination of various metals. Although the fillings were durable, they were definitely visible.

Fortunately, getting a filling isn’t what it used to be. While amalgam materials are still used by most dentists, more and more dental professionals and patients are preferring a different type of filling material — usually either porcelain or composite resins. These modern materials are not only nearly as durable as amalgam fillings, they’re also the same color as your natural teeth and are nearly invisible!
Aside from appearance and strength, there are other advantages to tooth-colored fillings:

• Composite fillings typically don’t require removing as much of your natural tooth as amalgam fillings, and keeping as much of your natural tooth intact is always a positive thing!

• Although the jury is still out with regard to the possible toxicity of amalgam materials, some people have worried that the material contains a certain amount of mercury. No such concerns exist with porcelain or composite materials.

Although tooth-colored fillings may be slightly more expensive than the old amalgam type, many people consider it well worth the extra cost. Ask your dentist for more information about porcelain and composite fillings. He or she can tell you more about the pros and cons of this modern dental material and give you a better idea whether tooth-colored fillings are the right choice for you and your family.

Source: http://www.yourdentistryguide.com/fillings-material/