WHICH FILLING

Once your choice was white, black or gold. Today- gold, porcelain, resins, amalgam and more. Different materials for different teeth, and options for the same tooth depending on the place and need.

You can discuss with your dentist.

Which is more suitable for you?

Front teeth

Composite fillings are most widely used because of their excellent appearance. They are made from a plastic resin and filler, and are bonded to the tooth. A range of shades is available so that the colour of your teeth can be matched very closely, making them almost impossible to see.

Glass inomer fillings are another high quality material suitable for areas where strength is less important, such as the gum line, and in children’s molars.

Back teeth

Amalgam fillings have been the most widely used, time tested and cost effective material for fillings in back teeth. Their disadvantage is their metal appearance. For further information, please see NZDA’S pamphlet in amalgam.

Composite fillings are tooth coloured and can be used for back teeth. Large composite fillings generally don’t last as long as amalgam, and they are more expensive, but this should weighed up against their excellent appearance and any concerns you have may about mercury release.

Composites are very effective if they involve only one or two surfaces of the tooth and are small in size.

Gold or porcelain inlays and overlays are very effective filling materials due to their strength and long term durability. They are more expensive than other materials.

If the cavity in your tooth is very large, or if the tooth is cracked or weakened, the best solution may be to have a crown fitted. See NZDA’S pamphlet on crowns for further information.

Is there a way to prevent fillings?

Fissures (grooves) in teeth are prone to decay. If your dentist detects early decay in the fissure walls or base, a preventive resin restoration  can prevent further decay and the need for large fillings later on. A tiny cavity is made using very small drills or air abrasion. A bonded filling is placed in to this cavity. This seals off the area in the fissure, keeping out bacteria and preventing further decay.

NOTE: TO FIND OUT WHICH FILLING IS BEST FOR YOU AND THE COSTS INVOLVED, TALK TO YOUR DENTIST.