Composite vs. Metal Fillings

July 8, 2022 4:55 pm Published by dental fillings choices compared: amalgam vs. composite

These days in dental care, you have more choices than ever. Want to straighten your teeth? You can get braces, or you could get clear aligner therapy. Want to whiten your teeth? You can get professional teeth whitening or you could get dental veneers. Another area to make a decision is with dental fillings. Dental fillings are a common way to treat cavities, and the two main options are composite fillings and metal fillings. What’s the difference? We’re glad you asked!

What You Should Know About Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are also known as tooth-colored fillings. The first name refers to what they’re made of: a composite resin mixture. The second name refers to what they look like; they’re made to match the same shade of your natural teeth.

Many patients opt for composite fillings because they like how natural they look and how they don’t affect the aesthetics of their smile. On the flipside, they’re often more expensive to get than a metal filling.

What You Should Know About Metal Fillings

Metal fillings go by different names too. You’ll also hear them called amalgam fillings or silver fillings. This is because these types of fillings are made from a mixture of metals, including mercury, copper, and silver, and they have a silvery color to them.

In general, metal fillings are known to be more durable and more affordable. The trade-offs are that they’re also far more noticeable, and some people don’t like the idea that there is some mercury in metal fillings (although it’s a small amount deemed safe by the FDA).

Dental Fillings at Chandler Dental Center

If you need to get a dental filling and you still have questions about the two types, composite and metal, then give us a call at Chandler Dental Center in San Antonio. Our team has experience providing countless fillings, and we’re here to get you the answers you need to make the best choice for your oral health.

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