Fillings are among the most common dental procedures, repairing teeth damaged by cavities or minor wear. They restore function and keep your smile natural.

What many people don’t realise is that you have options. From tooth-coloured composites to gold or porcelain, each material has unique benefits. Knowing your choices helps you make the right decision for both function and aesthetics.

Key Takeaways

• Fillings repair cavities, restore strength, and maintain your smile’s look.
• Types include composite, amalgam, gold, porcelain/ceramic, and glass ionomer.
• Composite and porcelain = best aesthetics; gold = longest lasting.
• Amalgam = durable and cost-effective but less aesthetic.
• Glass ionomer = useful for children or temporary solutions.
• Choice depends on tooth location, cavity size, budget, and cosmetic goals.

Why Dental Fillings Are Needed

Before diving into the types of fillings, it’s important to understand why fillings are essential in dental care:

1. Preventing Decay from Spreading: Cavities occur when bacteria erode the enamel, creating small holes in the tooth. Untreated cavities can grow, potentially leading to infection, pain, or even tooth loss. Fillings stop decay from spreading and restore the tooth’s integrity, preventing further damage.
   
   
2. Restoring Tooth Strength and Function: A filling reinforces weakened teeth, allowing you to chew and bite comfortably. Without a proper restoration, the tooth may crack or break under normal pressure, leading to more severe dental problems.
   
   
3. Maintaining a Natural Smile: Beyond function, fillings preserve the appearance of your teeth. Modern materials can match the color and shape of your natural teeth, keeping your smile both healthy and attractive. Whether it’s for a single tooth or multiple teeth, fillings help maintain the integrity of your smile.
   

The Main Types of Dental Fillings

There are several options available for dental fillings, each with its advantages and considerations. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

1. Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings

What Are They? Composite fillings are made from a durable resin material that is color-matched to your natural teeth. These are a popular choice for those who want a discreet, seamless look.

Benefits:

• Virtually Invisible: Ideal for use on front teeth or other visible areas, composite fillings blend seamlessly with natural tooth color.
  
  
• Bonds Directly to Tooth: Composite material bonds directly to the tooth, which allows your dentist to remove less tooth structure.
  
  
• Versatile: Composite fillings can be used for cavities, chips, and cosmetic touch-ups, making them a go-to choice for many patients.

Considerations:

• May Wear Faster in Larger Cavities: While they are durable, composite fillings may wear faster in very large cavities compared to other materials.
  
  
• Higher Cost: Composite fillings are typically more expensive than traditional silver fillings, though the cost is often worth it for those who prioritize aesthetics.

Composite fillings have become the standard in modern cosmetic dentistry because they offer both function and beauty. At Atlanta Dental Spa, they are a popular choice for patients looking for strong, aesthetically pleasing restorations.

2. Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

What Are They? Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of silver, mercury, and other metals. These fillings have been used in dentistry for over a century due to their durability and affordability.

Benefits:

• Very Durable: Amalgam fillings are known for their strength and can last between 10–15 years or more.
• Affordable: These fillings are less expensive than composite or porcelain options, making them a cost-effective solution.
  

Considerations:

• Aesthetic Concerns: The dark color of amalgam fillings can affect your smile aesthetics, especially if the filling is placed in a visible area.
• Temperature Sensitivity:T Amalgam can expand or contract with temperature changes, potentially causing cracks or discomfort in some cases.

Although less popular today for cosmetic reasons, amalgam fillings are still used in back teeth or areas that are less visible but require a strong, durable restoration.

3. Gold Fillings

What Are They? Gold fillings are made from a gold alloy, a combination of gold, copper, and other metals. They are highly valued for their longevity and durability.

Benefits:

• Extremely Durable: Gold fillings are one of the longest-lasting filling materials, often lasting 20+ years with proper care.
• Resistant to Corrosion: Gold is resistant to corrosion, ensuring that the filling remains stable and reliable over time.
• Strong and Reliable: Gold fillings are incredibly strong, making them ideal for larger cavities or those located at the back of the mouth.

Considerations:

• Expensive: Gold fillings are one of the more costly options due to the material and the manufacturing process.
• Highly Visible: While gold fillings are durable, they are more noticeable than other filling materials, which makes them less desirable for cosmetic reasons.
• Multiple Visits Required: Typically, gold fillings require two dental visits—one to take impressions and another to place the filling.

While gold fillings are less common in modern cosmetic dentistry, they are an excellent choice for patients who value longevity and durability over aesthetics.

4. Porcelain / Ceramic Fillings (Inlays & Onlays)

What Are They? Porcelain fillings, also known as ceramic inlays or onlays, are custom-made restorations that fit precisely to your tooth. They are known for their aesthetic appeal and ability to blend seamlessly with natural teeth.

Benefits:

• Extremely Natural-Looking: Porcelain fillings are highly aesthetic, offering a natural appearance that closely matches your tooth color.
• Stain-Resistant: Unlike composite fillings, porcelain fillings are resistant to staining, ensuring a long-lasting, vibrant appearance.
• Durable: Porcelain fillings are durable and can last for many years if well-maintained.

Considerations:

• More Costly: Porcelain fillings are generally more expensive than composite or amalgam fillings.
• Requires Two Visits: Placement of porcelain fillings typically requires two dental visits: one for impressions and another for placement.

Porcelain fillings are a favorite at Atlanta Dental Spa because they combine aesthetics with strength, giving patients both beauty and function.

5. Glass Ionomer Fillings

What Are They? Glass ionomer fillings are made from a mixture of acrylic and glass powders. Though less common in adults, they are still useful in certain situations.

Benefits:

• Fluoride Release: Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride, which can help prevent further decay around the filling.
• Useful for Pediatric Patients: These fillings are often used in children or in areas of the mouth that don’t experience heavy chewing pressure.

Considerations:

• Less Durable: Glass ionomer fillings are not as durable as composite, gold, or porcelain fillings.
• Less Natural-Looking: These fillings are more noticeable than composite or porcelain fillings, making them less suitable for visible areas.

Glass ionomer fillings are typically used as temporary or pediatric restorations but are less common in adult cosmetic dentistry.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Filling

When selecting the best filling material for your needs, there are several factors to consider:

• Location of the Tooth: Front teeth often require tooth-colored fillings for aesthetics, while back teeth may benefit from stronger materials like porcelain or gold.
• Size of the Cavity: Larger cavities may require more durable materials to ensure longevity and prevent future fractures.
• Aesthetic Considerations: Patients who prioritize a seamless, natural-looking smile usually prefer composite or porcelain fillings.
• Durability Needs: Porcelain and gold fillings offer the longest-lasting results, while composite fillings are durable but may need replacement sooner.
• Cost Considerations: Composite fillings are moderately priced, while gold and porcelain options tend to be higher due to materials and customization.
• Sensitivity: Some materials are gentler on teeth and reduce the risk of sensitivity after placement. Your dentist can recommend the best option based on your needs.

Conclusion

So, what are the types of dental fillings? From composite and porcelain to silver and gold, each option has its benefits and considerations. Choosing the right filling depends on your dental needs, lifestyle, and cosmetic goals. 

At Atlanta Dental Spa, we ensure every restoration enhances both function and appearance. Our team will help you select the ideal material for your smile, delivering results that last and look natural.

Ready to restore your smile with a durable, natural-looking filling? Schedule your consultation at Atlanta Dental Spa today and experience expert care combined with cosmetic excellence.

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