Dental FAQs

White Dental Fillings versus Amalgam Fillings (aka silver fillings)

Everyone likes to have a sparkling white smile, but this can often be marred by the presence of “silver” or amalgam fillings in the teeth. This is usually due to the darkening or discoloration caused by the dark metallic material used in amalgam fillings. But this is not the only disadvantage when using them.

Your Houston cosmetic dentist can tell you the pros and cons of the more modern “white” or bonded fillings versus the old-fashioned amalgam fillings. This way you can decide which is right for you.

We have already mentioned the primary downside of the amalgam (silver) fillings.  But there are other issues. For example, w hen a tooth is weakened it is much more likely to fracture or break. A simple and often undetectable fracture can cause serious decay and infection, and a broken tooth is extremely costly to fix. This scenario is worsened if someone is a “tooth grinder” or suffers from grinding, known as bruxism, since this makes it much more likely that the tooth will indeed break.

Also, the use of amalgam fillings can often leave the tooth sensitive. This doesn’t happen with white fillings. This is because your Houston cosmetic dentist will bond with the actual tooth and prevent sensitivity to hot and cold from occurring. Clearly this means that a patient who chooses the white fillings from a cosmetic dentist in Houston will normally end up with stronger and more comfortable teeth.

This is not where the benefits of the white fillings end. The actual placement of the filling allows the cosmetic dentist in Houston to leave a great deal more of the original tooth structure in place, while the amalgam (silver) fillings require the dentist to take out a lot more of the pulp or structure of the tooth.

So, if you are hoping to get the most esthetically pleasing and healthy smile possible, you will want to seek out a high-quality cosmetic dentist in Houston who offers white fillings. This will allow you to obtain treatments that keep your teeth strong and comfortable, while also being visually appealing.

You can contact Midtown Dentistry to schedule an appointment for fillings or even just a consultation about your options.