Dental Fillings

Dental fillings consist of one or more metals, plastics, glass or other materials used to repair or restore teeth. They “fill” an area of tooth that your dentist has removed due to decay. They’re also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse.

• Gold Fillings are composed of an alloy of gold, copper and other metals. This type of dental filling is usually considered the most durable, lasting 20 years or more, but it’s also the most costly – up to ten times more than amalgam fillings.
• Amalgam (Silver) Fillings are a mixture of metals. They’re often the least expensive material for dental fillings. They’re very durable, and they harden quickly, making them easier to place. But they’re noticeable, even on the back teeth, and may expand and contract with temperature exposure, resulting in fractures.
• Composite Fillings are designed to match the color of your teeth. Once in place, they won’t corrode or expand like metal fillings can. They can be used to fill small to medium-sized cavities in the front or back teeth. The resin compound bonds very well to tooth enamel, making composite fillings less likely to pop loose. But their lifespan is five to seven years on average, about half of an amalgam filling, and they often cost more than amalgam fillings.
• Porcelain/Ceramic Fillings are custom-made fillings from a ceramic polymer material that can be placed over or into a cavity. They’re made in a lab before being cemented permanently onto your teeth. Ceramic fillings are aesthetically appealing and don’t get stained. They can also be customized to match the color of your natural teeth, making them less noticeable. However, they’re more expensive than composite fillings. Also, they’re indirect fillings, so you have to make several visits to the dentist.
• Glass Ionomer is a flexible paste used to form a tight seal between the internal tooth and the surrounding environment. It acts as a sealant, allowing the tooth to remain protected. It closely matches the color of your teeth. Often no preparation is needed before patients are fitted with a glass ionomer filling, making it a popular choice for children. But the material is a lot weaker than other filling materials, and it’s prone to wear and tear. And Glass Ionomer treatment takes a while to complete because each layer has to be bonded individually.

The type of filling you receive may be determined based on the office you visit, your dental insurance benefits, or what your dentist recommends based on your oral health status.

If you are suffering from a cavity, the team at All Family Dental and Braces is here to help with dental fillings in Chicagoland.