A Patient's Quick Guide to a Healthy Smile

 

We want to help you make informed choices about your dental care. Because every smile is unique, we look at your specific needs, budget, and lifestyle when planning your treatment. Here is a quick, fun look at the three single-visit filling options we offer:

 

1. Silver Amalgam (Traditional Silver Fillings)

• The Lowdown: A classic, ultra-strong mixture of metals used successfully for generations.

• The Pros: Remarkably durable and resistant to wear. Because these fillings last so long, they save your natural tooth from being drilled down repeatedly for replacements over time. It is also the most budget-friendly option.

• The Cons: The silver colour is noticeable when you open wide. It also requires removing slightly more tooth structure to ensure it locks firmly into place.

• Best Used For: Large cavities in back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces.

 

2. Resin Composite (Tooth-Coloured Fillings)

• The Lowdown: A blend of dental-grade plastic and glass tailored to match your specific tooth shade.

• The Pros: Completely blends into your smile for an invisible look. It bonds directly to your remaining tooth structure, which allows us to be highly conservative and save more of your natural tooth.

• The Cons: Requires a completely dry environment and high precision to place, making it a more time-consuming and expensive option than silver.

• Best Used For: Small-to-medium cavities in highly visible areas like front teeth.

 

3. Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer (Protective Fillings)

• The Lowdown: A flexible mixture of glass and acrylic that chemically adheres to the tooth surface.

• The Pros: Its true superpower is that it continuously releases fluoride into the surrounding tooth, creating a protective shield against future decay.

• The Cons: It is a softer material that is more prone to wearing down or fracturing under heavy biting pressure.

• Best Used For: Children’s baby teeth, cavities below the gum line, or exposed roots that need extra protection.

 

Every mouth is different! We will work with you during your visit to select the perfect material for your budget, comfort, and health.

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For More Information

If you have questions or concerns about filling materials, please contact us!