Questions About Amalgam Fillings vs. White Fillings

How do amalgam fillings affect the look of my teeth?

Fillings are often placed in highly visible areas, but there is more than the metallic appearance of the new amalgam filling to worry about. Over time they become dark and tarnished, and they can leave dark stains on your teeth.

How do amalgam fillings affect my dental health?

The metal is extremely reactive to hot and cold, and expands and contracts when exposed to changes in temperature. As a result, your teeth can crack or break. Harmful bacteria can then get beneath the filling, causing decay.

What about overall tooth strength?

Besides expanding and contracting in response to hot and cold substances in the mouth, the metal amalgam exerts a continuous pressure outwards. From within the cavity it fills, it presses outward against the tooth’s perimeter, and this endangers the tooth. In contrast, porcelain fillings exert no such pressure, because they’re bonded to the tooth, holding it together.

How are white fillings better for my overall health?

Two ways:

1. Your dental health can have a serious impact on your overall health, white fillings can help preserve your dental health, therefore being better for your overall health.
2. Amalgam fillings contain mercury. Mercury poisoning can lead to a number of serious, long-term health problems, including neurological damage and birth defects. Still under debate is the issue of whether tooth fillings give off enough mercury vapor to threaten the body. Many people prefer not to take the risk.