Amalgam Or Porcelain Fillings: Which Is Best For You?

Sep 22nd, 2021
Easton Dentists Oct 2nd, 2021

If your cavities are being filled during your next dental appointment, you need to consider your options. Among the choices are the traditional metal amalgam fillings and their modern porcelain counterparts. Getting up to speed on these 2 types of fillings will make it easier to choose one that’s suitable for your case.

Amalgam Fillings

This type of filling has been around for quite long, and is easily distinguishable thanks to its silvery color. Amalgam fillings are made using a mixture of metals. Most of them typically contain zinc, copper, tin and about 50% mercury. While the fillings are among the more affordable and long-lasting options, they’re marred by a handful of drawbacks.

Ceramic Fillings

Also known as ceramic fillings, these are the most widely used today. They are made by filling a methacrylate matrix with tiny porcelain particles, with the latter accounting for 80% of each filling’s content. The material used to cover the cavity is usually formed in a special lab.

Amalgam Fillings vs Porcelain Fillings

Because most insurers don’t fully cover the cost of ceramic fillings, they tend to be pricier than their amalgam counterparts. But as earlier mentioned, the latter option has quite a number of setbacks. The more notable of these include:

-Amalgam fillings are highly prone to temperature fluctuations. The filling weakens the tooth’s structure as it expands and contracts, and this could potentially cause it to crack.

-As time goes by, the silver color starts to darken. This diminishes the aesthetic appeal of one’s smile.

-While the level of mercury in amalgam fillings is certified as safe for people over the age of 6, it’s still a cause for concern.

Not only are ceramic fillings a good mercury-free alternative, but they also offer other benefits as well:

-Since ceramic fillings are made based on a scan of the patient’s teeth, they can be shaped to cover the cavities perfectly.

-Each filling is obtained from a homogeneous ceramic cube. As such, porcelain fillings maintain their size and shape, temperature changes notwithstanding.

-The insertion of ceramic fillings only requires a small space. This translates to less drilling, which in turn means patients are able to keep more of the healthy part(s) of their teeth.

-Porcelain fillings are less prone to discoloration. This, combined with the fact that they can be matched to the natural color of one’s teeth, adds up to a more aesthetically-pleasing result.

You can now see why ceramic fillings are the best option for your teeth. In recent times, manufacturers have developed superior composite materials for the construction of porcelain fillings. You can thus find quality ceramic fillings that are much more resilient when compared to their metal predecessors.

Choose The Best Tooth Whitening Method

Sep 22nd, 2021
Easton Dentists Oct 2nd, 2021

There are several different types of teeth whitening methods. You should always consult a dentist in Columbus, Ohio before using any in-home or over-the-counter solution for whitening your teeth. Everyone is not the right candidate for every whitening method. Following are the well known methods for whitening teeth.

Over-The-Counter Solutions
The simplest of these solutions are toothpastes specially made for whitening teeth. Most of these toothpastes can be used for both whitening and everyday cleaning of the teeth. There are teeth whitening gels. These gels have lower concentration of whitener than the gels used in the in-office whitening treatments. If for some reason you do not want to use a liquid form of whitener, you can use whitening strips.

Dentist in-Office Teeth Bleaching
Dentists use a gel solution to bleach the teeth. The whole process is performed under the supervision of a trained dentist so you are assured of professional result. In the first visit, you have to give your teeth impressions. It can take about 1-2 weeks to get the trays made out of your teeth impressions. These trays are filled with the bleach and attached to the lower and upper teeth. Several sittings may be needed depending on the discoloration level of your teeth. It will give you professional result at an affordable cost.

Dentist in-Office Laser Teeth Whitening
This method will give you the best whitening results. A thin film of bleaching agent like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide is applied on the teeth. The gel is activated with the help of laser light. Your teeth can become 5-6 shades whiter and brighter with this method. This method may also require several sittings depending on the level of teeth discoloration.

Porcelain Veneers
It is a part of cosmetic dentistry. Each veneer completely covers the tooth. No other teeth whitening solution beats it in the whitener effect because a completely new synthetic layer is used to cover the tooth.

Single Tooth Whitening
When a badly decayed or broken tooth needs to be given better appearance, single tooth whitening solutions are used. A dental crown is fixed to improve the broken or decayed tooth’s appearance. Dental bonding is another solution used for this purpose.

Keep in mind that all solutions have their advantages and limitations. Visit The Dental Center at Eastern Town Center to find which teeth whitening solution is perfect for you. Dr. Brad Gilmer will inspect all parts of your teeth and gums thoroughly. He will determine the solution that is appropriate and will deliver the best result in your case. Call (614) 414-0111 now to schedule an appointment.