Why One Should Have Their Silver Fillings Replaced

Types of Fillings

When a child's teeth have been thoroughly checked and a number of cavities have been spotted, the best action to take to help stop the decay, as well as restore the tooth's strength, is through the use of fillings. There are a number of different fillings that you may choose for your child. However, the main types are silver fillings and the tooth-colored fillings.

Silver Fillings

As mentioned, silver fillings have long been used as the main form of halting decay in teeth. However, the use of silver fillings has largely declined due to its distinct and somewhat unlikeable appearance. Although, the silver filling is highly compatible with most kinds of teeth, its appearance may make you opt for tooth colored fillings. Due to this, silver fillings are not recommended for visible areas such as the front teeth.

Tooth Colored Fillings

Tooth colored fillings are special, more modern, fillings that closely resemble the tooth in terms of color. Thus, these teeth have a more pleasing appearance. Moreover, while their cost is slightly higher than that of amalgam (silver) fillings, these amalgam-free fillings are quite affordable. White fillings and mercury-free fillings are just some of the types of silver-free fillings available in the market. These composite fillings have a relatively long life, lasting up to 10 years. However, it should be noted that due to their color, they may be stained by coffee or tea. Moreover, smoking may also cause some form of staining on composite fillings. The porcelain variety is almost undetectable and is specially constructed in a dental lab.

There are a number of reasons why the average person may choose to replace their silver fillings. Apart from the distasteful appearance, normal problems such as cracks, which at times may be very painful, may force an individual to look at white dental fillings among other tooth colored fillings.

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