Pros and Cons of Ceramic Fillings

Sharon PinksHealth News

dentists gloves examining woman's front teeth

Cavities! They’re no fun at all. Fillings stop them from getting worse and alleviate the pain.

Northside Dental in Springfield, Missouri lists the pros and cons of ceramic porcelain fillings. 

Ceramic Fillings 

Ceramic fillings are made of porcelain. They are the most popular because they’re designed to match the exact coloring of a patient’s tooth. 

gold, silver, white almagram tooth fillings

Fillings made of gold, silver, or amalgamations of various minerals, stand out in the mouth. 

 

It’s not only popular due to its aesthetic. Improved technologies like “directed shrinkage,” make ceramic fillings rather cutting edge in the world of dentistry. 

 

We’ll spare you the scientific jargon. In short, when ceramic fillings are created, molecules are combined to create more complex molecules (polymers), resulting in unique physical properties for the filling: extra strength or greater elasticity. 

We offer various types of dental fillings, from composite to amalgam and porcelain. 

Pros of Porcelain Fillings 

  • All-Natural Aesthetic

Arguably, the biggest appeal to porcelain fillings is the all-natural look. They can be colored to match the exact hue of your teeth. 

It’ll be harder for other people to notice you have fillings. Whereas with silver or gold fillings, it’s very noticeable. 

  • Long-Lasting and Durable

Porcelain is stronger than resin used in amalgam fillings. They can be used for molars and bicuspids, often under pressure to exert a lot of force during chewing. 

The exceptional durability of porcelain is why it lasts longer than gold or silver amalgam fillings — often 10 years or more. 

  • Can Strengthen Your Teeth 

Due to the bonding process, ceramic fillings can strengthen the tooth more than amalgam or white composite fillings. 

Remember this:

Ceramic fillings can still fracture on high impact or under a lot of stress. 

  • Less Toxic and More Stain Resistant 

Porcelain fillings are more resistant to stains and abrasions, so long as you brush regularly. Metal fillings can stain, or even crack and fissure, leading to decay. 

Not only that, amalgam fillings sometimes trigger allergic reactions because of the metals used. Ceramic fillings don’t have any of that risk. 

Related Post: How Fillings Work to Protect Your Teeth

Cons of Porcelain Fillings

  • It’s More Expensive

Porcelain is about the same price as gold amalgam fillings. Why? The implementation process is complex. It takes more time to construct the filling in several layers and blend the compounds to match the person’s tooth. 

  • Can Wear On Opposing Teeth 

If they become rough over time, they can wear on the opposing teeth that they clamp down on. This can cause some discomfort and require additional service from a dental provider to ensure the filling is once again smooth and comfortable. 

  • Requires Reducing Tooth Size 

It may require the removal of a healthy tooth or the reduction of its size.

Schedule Your Appointment for a Filling Today

Our dentists and dental hygienists are eager and willing to help you get the perfect filling for your teeth. Schedule an appointment today or call for more information about services: (417) 862-2468.