What is the difference between amalgam and composite

Chinese medical texts from the first century refer to an amalgam of tin, mercury, and silver. The material in a composite filling is a blend of polymers and glass that, unlike amalgam, are hardened with a special blue light. While there are several differences between composite and amalgam fillings, and both have their advantages and downsides, they have one thing in common: both are highly effective in ensuring teeth remain strong, healthy and functional for many years.

Amalgam fillings — also known as silver fillings — have more give than composite material. This means they can last longer if you have a strong bite or tend to grind your teeth. The main single component of amalgam is mercury, which is unique in its ability to bind together the other metals to create a solid filling. When liquid mercury is added to powdered silver, tin, and copper particles, it forms a putty-like substance to fill a cavity and rapidly hardens.

Although some health concerns have been raised about mercury in dental amalgam, the Food and Drug Administration FDA and the American Dental Association ADA say the small amount of mercury used is safe for patients when properly administered.

If your child has amalgam fillings, they will be less costly than their composite counterparts are far easier for the dentist to work with. Amalgam fillings are also more robust, which makes them a good option for back teeth, which have to do the job of grinding down food.

One disadvantage of amalgam is that healthy parts of a tooth often need to be removed to create enough room to hold the filling. Composite fillings — also called white fillings because of their tooth-colored properties — are made from plastic polymers and glass. Once the cavity has been opened up, an acidic gel is used to etch the exposed surfaces to aid adhesion.

After rinsing off this conditioner, the dentist applies a bonding agent, which is hardened — cured — with a blue light. The dentist then places the putty-like composite in layers. Key features of amalgam: They are often the least expensive material for dental fillings. The material itself is very durable and long-lasting. They harden quickly, making placement faster. Composite fillings are newer but have become the go-to material to fill a cavity. Key features of composite: They blend in seamlessly with any color smile due to custom colorizing.

The composite resin material can last for five to seven years on average. They can be used to fix minor cosmetic flaws. Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of amalgam and composite fillings. Advantages of Amalgam They are very durable and capable of lasting for over a decade or more with proper care.

Due to their strength, they can fill fairly large cavities within the teeth. The lower expense of amalgam fillings can be a relief to patients on a budget. Their fast hardening capability can make treatment less stressful for kids or special needs patients. Disadvantages of Amalgam Mercury levels in amalgam are deemed safe by the ADA but require more of the tooth structure to be removed.

Without a filling , your tooth would be weaker structurally and substantially exposed to bacteria. A filling provides strength and protection to help prevent further breakage or infection.

You may be under the impression that because amalgam fillings contain mercury that they are dangerous. However, that is not the case. You are exposed to more harmful amounts of mercury in the air and in your food. Many scientific organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association , agree that amalgam is a safe dental filling material.

Over million amalgam fillings are placed each year and composite fillings continue to grow in popularity. While there has been debate as to which has a higher survival rate, it has been found that both have a year success rate of over 80 percent.

Typically, the type of restoration recommended to fix your tooth will depend on the extent of decay. If you have more extensive damage, you may need an inlay or onlay or a dental crown.

While composite fillings have grown in popularity due to their more complimentary appearance, amalgam fillings have been trusted for decades.