Porcelain Fillings Vs. Metal Fillings Article

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Porcelain Fillings vs. Metal Fillings

Fillings are used to repair cavities and restore function to your teeth. Metal amalgam fillings have long been the standard for cavity treatment, but porcelain fillings have become increasingly popular for a number of reasons.

Author: Sara Goldstein

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Most traditional metal fillings contain mercury. And while metal fillings have not been explicitly linked to health problems, mercury itself can pose serious health risks. In fact, many patients who have worn metal fillings for years choose to have them replaced with dental-grade porcelain fillings.

Some people with metal fillings opt to replace them for cosmetic reasons. Metal amalgam fillings are gray and can become further discolored over time. Metal fillings are especially noticeable in patients who have multiple fillings.

Porcelain fillings, on the other hand, are bonded to your teeth and are tinted to perfectly match your surrounding natural teeth. In addition to helping provide a seamless smile, the bonding process adds to the strength and durability of porcelain fillings.

Metal fillings are packed into the tooth rather than bonded. This requires more of the healthy tooth tissue and tooth surface to be removed in order to place metal fillings.

Metal fillings are also prone to contraction and expansion with temperature changes and can actually weaken the tooth over time or even fall out. By bonding to the surface of your teeth, porcelain fillings eliminate the possibility for shrinkage or expansion.

Porcelain fillings are likewise resistant to decay and discoloration with proper dental hygiene, and they are strong enough to withstand normal, long-term wear.

Other benefits of porcelain fillings include:

• Increased durability over metal fillings
• Strengthen and protect your natural tooth surface
• Help prevent future tooth decay
• None of the potential health risks associated with metal fillings
• Maintain a bright, natural appearance

While metal fillings are less expensive than porcelain fillings, their vulnerability often requires that they be revised or replaced with time.

A consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist can help determine which filling option is best for your condition. Your dentist can also review in greater detail the benefits and drawbacks of filling types, as well as discuss cost and payment options with you.

Fillings, whether porcelain or amalgam, are not for everyone. Depending on your condition, tooth bonding or dental crowns may be better options for you.

If you live in the Columbus, Ohio, area and would like more information about porcelain fillings, please visit the website of cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Firouzian at the Center for Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.

About Author

Dr. Michael Firouzian offers high quality family, general, and cosmetic dentistry in Columbus, Ohio.

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Porcelain Fillings vs. Metal Fillings