Do different filler materials have advantages and disadvantages?
Yes. The following are some benefits and drawbacks of the various dental filling materials:
Advantages:
- Gold: Some claim that gold has a nice appearance and lasts for at least 10 to 15 years.
- Silver fillings (amalgams): Less expensive than composite fillings, lasts at least 10 to 15 years.
- Tooth colored composite fillings: these are fillings that match the color of the surrounding teeth. They are frequently used for repairs other than cavity fillings and, in some cases, require less tooth removal than amalgam fillings.
- Porcelain and ceramics have a longer lifespan than composite resin materials and are more stain-resistant.
- The glass ionomer material, which is mostly used for fillings below the gum line and releases fluoride to help prevent additional tooth decay, is made of acrylic [2] and a particular kind of glass.