Different Types of Materials for Dental Restorations
Fillings, crowns, and other tooth restorations can be made from a variety of different materials, including amalgam, resin, and ceramic. Each material has some unique benefits and drawbacks, and is suited for different uses and situations.
Amalgam
Amalgam is a mixture of liquid mercury and other metals, including tin, copper, and silver. It’s been used as a dental filler for centuries but is falling out of favor due to concerns over mercury toxicity. The silvery appearance of amalgam is another reason why it’s less popular, as it doesn’t match natural tooth colors, and makes teeth appear discolored.
Composite Resin
Resin-based composites are perfect for fillings, because they are highly moldable, bond well to the surface of teeth, and look very natural. Because resin is so moldable dentists can repair teeth using techniques that preserve more of the tooth than any other restoration material. This means the repaired tooth is stronger than it might be with other restoration materials, and also looks more natural.
The downside is that composite resins aren’t suitable for all kinds of restorations, but they are definitely a good choice for fillings.
Ceramics
Dental ceramic is strong and durable and looks good, which makes it a popular choice for restorations such as crowns, veneers, and bridges. Another advantage of ceramic is that it can be easily colored to match the natural color of any tooth.
The main drawback of ceramic is that it’s more brittle than other materials. When ceramic restorations are needed for molars and incisors a heavy-duty material must be used so that it can withstand the pressure of chewing and biting. The downside is that this heavy-duty ceramic doesn’t look as natural as the more light-weight aesthetic-focused ceramics.
Gold
Gold is durable and long-lasting, which means it’s a good practical choice for fillings and crowns. However, gold restorations are highly visible, so if the natural look is preferred, gold is definitely not the best choice. If you do like the look of gold restorations, you’ll also benefit from the natural durability and strength of the metal.
Zirconia
This highly durable material is a non-metallic substance that is derived from a metal. It sounds confusing, but it’s all about the chemical structure of the substance. The metal—zirconium—is chemically altered in a process that gives it a durable crystalline structure that is no longer metallic.
Zirconia is similar to composite resin in terms of its durability and usefulness. Generally, people choose between the two based on how they look—porcelain is more translucent so the choice between resin and zirconia is often about aesthetics more than anything else.
Talk to Your Dentist for Advice
Choosing the best material for tooth restorations is usually about balancing function and aesthetics, so that you end up with restorations that look good and do their job well. Talk to your dentist for advice and recommendations to help you make the right choice.