It is Never Too Late to Straighten Your Teeth

Your back teeth receive a lot of wear and tear over the course of your life. They have to be strong for grinding and chewing food. When you need a filling in a back tooth, your dentist considers what type of material is strong enough to endure all the pressures it will receive from daily chewing. Here's a look at different materials used for dental fillings and their suitability for use on molars.

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings are the common silver colored fillings that have been used for many years. These fillings are strong and usually last a long time. They are a good choice for back teeth, but they do have one drawback. Because of how much the dark color contrasts with white teeth, these fillings are highly visible. This doesn't matter so much in a back tooth like it would in a front tooth, but still, if it bothers you to think someone would see the filling when you laugh or yawn, your dentist may agree to a different material.

Gold Fillings

Gold is one of the strongest materials used in dentistry. It is also one of the most well-tolerated materials when it comes to its effect on the mouth and gums. It is gentle on other teeth, so the filling won't wear down enamel. Gold fillings are lighter in color than amalgam, so they are less visible. The main drawback to gold fillings is their expense.

Porcelain Fillings

Porcelain fillings are also one of the more expensive options. However, you may be willing to a pay more for porcelain because it is the most natural looking dental material. It has qualities that make it look just like natural enamel. The color is matched perfectly to your other teeth and the surface even has a sheen like natural enamel. Porcelain fillings are custom made in a lab to be an exact fit for your tooth and then they are bonded into place.

Resin Fillings

Resin fillings are popular because they blend in well with your other teeth and they are an affordable option. Your dentist matches the color of the filling to your tooth, so the filling is not generally noticeable when you open your mouth. Resin fillings aren't suitable for all cavities, especially large ones. They have the shortest lifespan and they can stain easily over time. Even though they don't last as long, you may consider one of these fillings a good choice when you want the dental work to be invisible, but you don't want to pay the high price for porcelain.

You may have your choice between all four dental filling materials. It depends on the location of your cavity, the size of the cavity, and how much you're willing to pay for the filling. Contact a dentist, like Plymouth Valley Dental Group , for more help.