Created from a mixture of mercury, silver, tin and copper – but mostly made out of mercury – amalgam fillings, along with white fillings in Allston MA are two of the most common options recommended by dental practitioners to restore teeth that have been damaged by cavities back to their original form.
Both types of fillings come with their own advantages and disadvantages. Because of this, it’s important to understand how different the two are so that you can make the best choice whenever the opportunity presents itself.
White Fillings And The Advantages
Made of composite resin, white fillings in Allston MA are tooth-colored plastic mixtures. They’re filled with different materials, typically including quartz, silica and sometimes, barium for additional strength.
The use of white fillings was first introduced back in the 1960s and has gradually become more popular over the years. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that the quality has also improved since then and it has become one of the most effective ways to fill cavities both for your front and back teeth.
Some of the main advantages of white fillings in Allston MA include:
- The materials bond to your teeth, which helps restore its original strength;
- Unlike mercury fillings, the material won’t expand and contract because of the fluctuating temperatures inside your mouth, making them a bit more durable and cheaper because you won’t have to spend much on future restorations;
- White fillings can also be made to match the shade of other teeth, which helps make them look more natural;
- White fillings are less likely to affect your teeth’s sensitivity to hot and cold;
- You’re free from the potential risks involved with the use of mercury;
- The size of the hole made for white fillings to fit is usually much smaller.
Mercury Fillings and the Advantages
Mercury fillings have been around for about 150 years. They are usually made from mercury and combined with an alloy powder containing a mixture of silver, zinc, copper and tin. The presence of mercury helps bind together the metals, forming a durable and long-lasting filling.
Some of the main advantages of mercury fillings include:
- Mercury fillings are cheap and are usually covered by dental insurance;
- Because they’ve been around for much longer, most, if not all, dental practitioners are allowed to place mercury fillings;
- Mercury fillings are much easier to fit as compared to white fillings;
- Mercury fillings weaken your teeth over time; however, the materials used are far stronger compared to those used for white fillings in Allston MA, which can make them more durable.
What Type Should You Choose?
Overall white fillings are a much better choice as they help preserve the natural structure and strength of your teeth. White fillings also provide better long-term tooth production.
Both treatments are equally as effective so you’re not exactly losing out on anything, regardless of which type you choose. To make the right choice, call our office today to schedule an appointment so we can discuss the pros and cons of each.
