When it comes to fillings, you have two choices, amalgam and composite resin. Both the options have their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore a bit more about them.
WHAT ARE AMALGAM FILLINGS?
The amalgam is a mixture of silver, mercury, tin, and copper. Dentist near Pearland, TX Mercury makes up to 50% of the compound and does the job of binding the metals together for offering a strong and long-lasting filling.
WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF AMALGAM FILLINGS?
Advantages
- The amalgam fillings have been used for over a century.
- They cost less as compared to the composite resin.
- They are durable and usually last for around 10 to 15 years.
Disadvantages
- The amalgam filling is noticeable when you open your mouth unlike the composite filling.
- Some people can be allergic to the metals in the amalgam filling.
WHAT ARE RESIN COMPOSITE FILLINGS?
The resin composite fillings are made of ceramic and plastic compound. As resin looks similar to the natural teeth, they blend easily in your mouth. They are also termed as tooth-colored and white fillings.
WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF RESIN COMPOSITE FILLINGS?
Advantages
- These are in same color as your teeth so they blend in quite easily.
- The resin composite bond to the surface of your tooth.
- The resin is flexible, which means less drilling is required.
Disadvantages
- The resin fillings last only for five to seven years which is half the lifetime of an amalgam filling.
- The process of placing resin filling is more involved, so it takes more time.
ARE BOTH TYPES OF FILLINGS COVERED BY MY DENTAL PLAN?
It depends on your plan as many dental plans don’t cover resin composite fillings on back teeth. If you go with composite fillings, the plan will cover its share up to the cost of amalgam filling and you will have to pay the difference.
WHICH TYPE OF FILLING SHOULD I CHOOSE?
Depending on the location and size of the cavity, the dentist near you will decide the type of filling that is suitable for you.