Silver fillings aren’t the best way to take care of cavities. They have a high risk of cracking or breaking teeth. They can also fall out easily, which means more time in the dentist’s chair. Since there are other options for silver fillings nowadays, such as composite resin and porcelain crowns, many people have been wondering if they should change their silver fillings.

Composite Resin Fillings

Silver fillings aren’t greatly attractive in a mouth. While you can’t see them when you smile, you’ve probably wondered if others can see them when you open your mouth wide for some reason. With composite resin fillings, no one will ever know you have fillings. They are tooth colored and they protect your teeth from further damage. This decreases the risk of losing them later in life.

While composite resign is a good choice when compared to silver fillings, it’s important to know that the shade can change for those who drink a lot of tea, coffee, and other staining drinks and foods. Dentists can place a clear protective coat over them to keep them from staining. It’s also good to know that while they do last a long time, for large cavities, they can show wear over time. If this happens, they just need to be filled again. Regular dental checkups will catch any wear issues to ensure you get them filled as soon as possible. Small cavities do not seem to wear as much, and may last a lifetime.

Porcelain Crown Fillings

Porcelain crowns are different from composite resin because they are placed over the tooth rather than in the cavity. This covers the tooth to prevent further damage just like composite resign, but it also improves the health of your tooth. This makes it stronger, and much less likely to crack or break.

The dentist will prepare your teeth first, which may include removing a part of the some of them to have the crown fit comfortable on top. The dentist will numb the areas, so you don’t have to worry about discomfort. An impression will be made to send to a lab. When the crowns are done, they will be placed on your teeth.

Choosing the Best Tooth Fillings for You

You may be eager to choose composite resin fillings because they are less expensive, but don’t let price be all that you consider. It’s important to consult with a dentist experienced in changing silver fillings to tooth colored ones first. There are many benefits to porcelain crown fillings that you should consider when making this decision. Those benefits may be well worth the price of them.

When changing silver fillings in Culver City, be sure to do your research on the different options and dentists. The procedures are not too difficult, but they do require some quality time in a dentist’s chair. To have the best experience possible, it’s best to go in with confidence that you’ve made the best decision for your oral health.

Author

Sean Fox is a nutritionist and a blogger based in Illinois.