Children & Adult Dentistry, located in Fort Myers, Florida offers several dental filling options, including porcelain, gold, and amalgam fillings. So what are the differences between them?

Also called ceramic fillings, porcelain fillings can last at least several years. In addition, they’re much more resistant to staining than ordinary composite resin. It’s also possible to match the color and luster of the porcelain filling to your natural tooth color so that they are virtually indistinguishable.

Because of these advantages, porcelain fillings are generally more expensive and they can cost as much as gold fillings. However, there are some disadvantages to consider. It’s a bit brittle, so it can break. In some cases, a large amount of porcelain must be placed inside your tooth so it won’t break, and that may require reducing your teeth’s structure to make room for the bulk of the porcelain.

Gold does not look anything like natural teeth. But some people like it that way because it stands out. There’s a reason why people like to wear gold necklaces, bracelets, and wristwatches, and they may like gold in their teeth too.

But aside from that, one of the reasons why some people prefer gold fillings is that it doesn’t corrode. It is also very durable and can withstand the forces involved in chewing better than other filling materials. These fillings can last at least 15 years, or much longer.

Aside from the fact that it doesn’t look natural, gold has another main drawback: it’s very expensive. In fact, it can cost anywhere from 6 to 15 times the cost of amalgam fillings. There’s also the problem with galvanic shock if you have gold and amalgam fillings right next to each other.

Amalgam is a mixture of 50% mercury, and 50% a mixture of materials namely silver, tin, copper, and zinc. Most of the time, it’s used for fillings in the back teeth. It will last at least a decade, although it usually lasts much longer. It’s perhaps your most economical option.

Amalgam fillings are very strong so they can withstand chewing and require a single visit to the dental office. During the filling process, they’re also less sensitive to moisture than your standard composite resin.

So why is it very affordable? Well, a lot of people just don’t like the idea of mercury in their teeth! It also doesn’t match the color of your teeth, which is why its use is often reserved for the back teeth. It can tarnish and corrode over time too.

Whether you choose porcelain, gold, or amalgam, make sure that it fits your needs and preferences so that you feel better when you do get dental fillings.