Health

Silver vs. White Fillings —Choosing the Right Option for Your Needs

When your tooth starts to decay, you are probably going to get a hole inside your tooth. This hole is referred to as a cavity. When your teeth are damaged due to cavities, dentists try to repair that damage by using fillings. 

Fillings come in various types, such as white fillings and silver fillings. Fillings are considered to be quite common in dentistry lines. Therefore, you do not have to worry or be scared of it. For filling to be done, numbness to the tooth is essential. Numbing is done so that the patient will not feel pain during the procedure. 

Then, a few minutes are given to ensure that the numbing has started to work. In a place like Akron, you can easily access dental services and get treated with the latest advancements. For dental fillings, you can contact Cosmetic dentistry in Akron, OH

Are there other alternatives besides silver and white fillings?

Some options are not very popular but do the work with efficiency. One such alternative is gold fillings. They save the tooth from worsening due to cavities. Furthermore, if the dentist finds your cavity to be in a severe state, they might not recommend dental fillings. In such cases, you can go for either tooth extraction (removal of the tooth) or dental implants. 

Try to get your teeth checked when you notice the cavity; do not let it reach its worst stage, where you might need more extensive dental treatment. 

What are the differences between silver and white fillings?

  • In terms of durability and lasting properties.

Silver fillings are known to be durable as the materials used are of good quality, including metals such as mercury, copper, etc. They are also suitable for sustaining high chewing forces. With minimal care, they can last for almost fifteen years. Usually, people get silver fillings for premolars or molars (teeth that are not on the front). 

On the other hand, white fillings are less durable as compared to silver fillings. With proper care, they can last for up to ten years. If you are looking for a material that can bear strong chewing forces, silver fillings are a better option.

  • Providing aesthetic appeal to teeth. 

While silver fillings are more muscular, residents in Akron may still go for white fillings simply because they are better looking and give teeth a natural appearance. Dentists can match the color of your natural teeth and make fillings of the same shade. 

In this way, you cannot tell apart the fillings from your natural teeth. Since silver fillings are made of metals, they can be highly apparent. For this reason, people opt for white fillings, especially for teeth that become visible while smiling. 

  • Cost considerations when selecting the filling.

Most people consider cost when selecting the type of filing. Metal fillings are usually less costly than white fillings. However, if you want to consider metal fillings, you can still keep it as an option, as your dental insurance can cover it. However, the extent to which it will cover the costs can vary. What you can do is discuss all the costs with your dentist and your insurance providers. 

  • Time taken and the procedure considerations.

Both types of fillings differ slightly in terms of their procedure. Silver fillings do not take long to be placed on your teeth, while white fillings take more time to dry out. If you have a busier schedule, silver fillings are the right option for you.

Which option should you go for?

Consult your dentist before making a decision. They can tell you which option would be better for you based on your needs. A thorough examination can give you a detailed idea of what option will be more suitable for you. Akron has many specialized dentists. Book a free initial consultation online and learn about your options.