Difference between Amalgam and Composite Fillings
The difference between amalgam and composite lies in their material composition and appearance.
Composite is made of resin and can be molded to fit the tooth’s shape, while amalgam is a silver-colored material composed primarily of mercury.
Amalgam is stronger, longer-lasting, and cheaper, but composite is more delicate and expensive.
While amalgam is more affordable, composite offers a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
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Over time, teeth may suffer from decay, fractures, infections, and eventual tooth loss due to aging, diseases, medications, and poor oral hygiene.
Therefore, two types of materials, composite and amalgam, can be used to repair damaged teeth and fill cavities.
The composite material is familiar to most of us, but few people know about amalgam.
In addition to introducing these two materials in this article, we will see the difference between amalgam restoration and composite for tooth filling.
These two materials have advantages and disadvantages, which we will also state.
What is Amalgam?
Indeed, the name amalgam is not often used, but you have certainly heard of silver or black fillings. These names are also called amalgam filling materials.
The manufacture of amalgams involves combining various metals, including mercury, silver, copper, tin, and zinc.
The base metal used to make amalgam is mercury, which makes up almost half of the amalgam composition.
Mercury is indeed known as a dangerous substance, but the amount used in dental amalgams is minimal; therefore, it has been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and ADA (American Dental Association).
Amalgams are durable metal compounds that quickly fill the tooth cavity and are reasonably priced and durable.
Pros and Cons of Amalgam Fillings
- Because of its strength and durability, amalgam is less likely to break than other dental materials.
- This treatment method will be helpful for patients with a very high tooth decay risk.
- Amalgam can prevent bacteria from penetrating the deeper parts of the tooth due to its complete coverage of all the seams, dents, and walls.
- This repair material is cheaper than other materials.
- Amalgam life expectancy is estimated to be more than 10 years.
Disadvantages of amalgam for teeth
- The color and appearance of tooth restoration using amalgam are not beautiful.
- To place the amalgam, a larger portion of the tooth must be reduced to accommodate this material.
- In amalgam restoration, it can cause sensitivity through hives or red skin lesions in the mouth.
- It is possible to cause sensitivity in the teeth to drinking and eating hot and cold foods.
- The long treatment period is another disadvantage of restoration using amalgam.
What is Composite?
Composite materials are often used for fillings because their color closely matches that of natural teeth, which is why they are also known as white fillings.
These materials have a different elemental composition from amalgams and glass; ceramic and plastic are used in their construction.
Adhesive gels that are acidic in nature fill cavities and empty spaces in the dental crown. The filling material is injected inside the tooth, which can harden under blue light.
This material is widely used because it is the same color as the teeth.
Advantages of Composites
- The ability to fix the appearance of decayed teeth
- The need to remove only the decayed parts of the tooth for restoration and no need to shave healthy teeth
- Composite helps to close gaps between teeth
- Short treatment period
- Helping to maintain teeth health after restoration
- Appearance similarity of composite with natural teeth in terms of color
- Strengthening and increasing self-confidence in people after restoration with composite
- Composite veneer is a convenient and cheap alternative to dental laminate veneers
- Composite can be repaired or replaced in case of damage
Disadvantages of Composites
- The tooth is restored with composite changes in color due to its white color by eating colored food and drinks.
- Secondary decay is possible over time due to the formation of small cracks between the composites and the penetration of bacteria into the teeth.
- The durability of composite filling is less and lasts 5 years.
- The strength and stability of the composite are generally lower than other filling materials.
- The cost of tooth composite is higher than that of tooth filling with other materials.
- Natural teeth may become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
Amalgam vs. Composite Fillings
| Criterion | Composite | Amalgam |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetic | Tooth-colored, natural appearance, can be used to enhance smile design | Dark and silver-colored, less suitable for front teeth |
| Strength and Durability | Can withstand normal chewing stresses but less resistant to excessive force | Higher resistance to pressure and force, suitable for back teeth and patients with bruxism or TMJ disorders |
| Longevity | Requires less removal of tooth structure, rare and generally temporary side effects, but less durable | Higher durability, requires more removal of natural tooth structure for proper sealing |
| Cost | More expensive (about 2 times more than amalgam), but ensures beauty and durability | Less expensive, suitable for those looking for a more economical option |
| Application Time | Takes more time due to layer-by-layer application and curing with special light | Faster to apply, does not require curing with light |
| Moisture Sensitivity | Sensitive to moisture, requires dry conditions during application | Less sensitive to moisture, can be used in more humid environments |
| Biocompatibility | No mercury, more biocompatible and safer for some individuals | Contains mercury, which may cause concerns or sensitivities in some patients |
| Longevity of Treatment | Has a reasonable lifespan with proper care, but generally less durable than amalgam | Longer lifespan, better for enduring heavy pressures |
| Repair and Replacement | Easier to repair or replace if damaged | More difficult to replace if damaged |
| Thermal Effects | Less thermal expansion, lower risk of cracking neighboring teeth | More thermal expansion and contraction, can cause neighboring teeth to crack |
Amalgam or Composite Fillings: Which One is Better for Tooth Restoration?
One of the most common questions patients ask when visiting a dentist is whether composite or amalgam is better for tooth restoration and filling.
Which one has the most extended lifespan and shelf life? Or which one is more economical and cheaper in terms of cost?
In this article, we examined the difference between composite and amalgam restorations, two essential and practical materials in dentistry, so that you can make the best choice for treating your teeth.
Dentists typically do not have a standard answer regarding whether composite or amalgam is better, as the choice depends on factors such as tooth location and patient needs.
If the restoration tooth is visible to others, amalgam may not be the right choice for you.
However, choosing amalgam instead of composite can be a favorable option for you regarding treatment cost.
However, the cost of using composite is more expensive because the dentist spends more time on it.
Therefore, choosing a repair method depends on your condition and budget.
Filling teeth with composite or amalgam mainly depends on the patient’s condition.
Note that the decision to fill teeth with composite or amalgam should be made with consultation between the patient and the dentist regarding the condition of the teeth.
After you have chosen any of these two substances, note that the most critical issue in preventing dental problems is maintaining oral and dental hygiene and regular checkups at trusted dental clinics like Beach Cities Dentistry, where expert care and personalized treatment plans ensure your smile stays healthy and beautiful.
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