A silver glint in your smile reveals a great deal about your dental history. When you have a cavity, cosmetic dentists use fillings to support and protect the tooth from further decay. For many years, silver amalgam fillings have been the filling of choice. Recently, however, more and more patients have been choosing composite resin or tooth-colored fillings because of their attractiveness and durability.
Silver vs. Tooth-Colored
Silver amalgam contains approximately 35% silver, traces of tin and zinc, and approximately 50% mercury. Mercury is thought to be toxic to humans, and, in the past, has caused some concern in the dental field. This concern has sparked a controversy over the safety of the metal fillings used in the last two decades.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has deemed the much-relied-upon alloy as harmless; however, the ADA warns that those with allergies or a weakened immune system should avoid it.
However, many dentists remain unconvinced of mercury’s safety, arguing that mercury vapor gradually escapes from the filling endangering the patient.
According to dentists, mercury poisoning has been linked to a number of other health problems, including:
· Reduced excretion of porphyrins, which promote oxygen transport in the blood
· A buildup of mercury in various glands in the body
· Sleep disturbances
· Gastrointestinal problems
· Memory problems
· A possible contributory factor to Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, and Alzheimer's Disease
Silver amalgam fillings have also been known to expand over time, which can sometimes cause teeth to crack causing discomfort and a need for further dental work.
Resin (tooth-colored) fillings involve none of these health risks. They do not expand or damage the tooth. Instead, they are bonded to the tooth, providing strength and support. The resin is composed of a material similar to that used in dental bonding, another procedure that supports tooth structure.
Resin fillings also require less removal of the original tooth to make room for the filling and are considered a less radical alteration to the natural tooth.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Rather than making teeth look healthy and pristine, silver fillings can checker them with a patchwork of repairs. Often, a grayish color can leak from the filling to the surrounding tooth, worsening the appearance. This is especially noticeable if the cavity affects one of the front teeth. “Resin fillings are becoming the norm,” says Dr. Kevin B. Sands, a Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, “They are better for you and much better-looking.”
With composite resin fillings, people will not even know that you have fillings. The resin mimics the color and translucency of your teeth. The resulting smile is as white and brilliant as it is strong.
Resin fillings cost a bit more, about $150 to $200 per filling, but often the extra expense is covered by insurance. When it comes to dental health, the least expensive option can become more expensive in the long run. Resin fillings last up to ten years before needing replacement.
If you currently have silver amalgam fillings, replacing them with resin composite fillings is a relatively simple procedure.
Source: Tooth-Colored Fillings
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