Tooth fillings: Which Is Better, White Or Silver?

Updated on March 17, 2021

Fillings are an essential part of oral care. The simple fact is that most people have diets that are high in sugar. It’s present in all processed foods and many natural ones. The sugar reacts with the bacteria already present in your mouth and creates acid. This attacks the hard enamel coating on your teeth and, eventually, creates a hole.

Once the enamel is damaged the bacteria can get into your teeth, causing issues. They need to be cleaned out and the hole filled. The longer you leave it the bigger the issue gets. But, you should be aware that recent research shows a strong link between oral health and overall health. 

This is one of the reasons you need to identify a reputable dentist, such as this dentist Meadowbank, and make sure you have regular checkups. A dentist will identify issues early and help you resolve them. That’s better than leaving them and, alongside a lot of pain, ultimately losing a tooth.

Of course, once you accept that a filling is necessary you’ll have to decide between a silver or a white filling. It should be noted that most dentists will recommend a white filling for your front teeth as a silver one will be very visible when you smile.

Silver Fillings

Silver fillings are also known as amalgams. These are actually a mixture of materials, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. This combination of metals is known to harden very quickly.

In other words, silver fillings are quicker to do, and the materials tend to be cheaper. This makes the silver filling a cheaper option and the reason it is frequently used for molars. 

However, while silver fillings are generally considered stronger than white fillings and longer-lasting, they are not as attractive. Having a silver filling may make you feel more self-conscious, even if it’s not noticeable when you smile. It’s also possible that they will cause the area around the filling to become gray.

You should note that there are concerns regarding the presence of mercury in your fillings. This particular metal is dangerous to your health, although there are no signs that it actually leaches into your body.

White Fillings

These are generally known as composite fillings. They are made from plastics and fillers such as silica and dimethylglyoxime. These resins bond to your existing tooth surface. This creates a good seal, preventing bacteria from getting n.

White fillings can be colored to match your existing teeth, making them virtually invisible. In addition, they are a great option for broken teeth as they adhere very well to whatever is left of your tooth. They can even be shaped to recreate the look of your original tooth.

Of course, white fillings are not as strong as silver fillings. It’s possible they will crack over time and they tend to be more expensive.

The Bottom Line

Silver fillings are tougher and cheaper. But they are not as attractive and there are health concerns attached to them. For this reason, white fillings are becoming the popular choice. 

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.