Twice-daily brushing and once a day flossing combined with regular dental visits and a good diet can help maintain good oral health. However this isn’t always enough to avoid cavities and tooth decay. Regular dental checkups will help your dentist in Newport Beach pick up any problems so they can be treated early on, including tooth decay. If you need a filling, your dentist can discuss all the options with you and will help you decide on the right choice. Options can include:
Amalgam
These silver colored fillings have traditionally been used for decades. Amalgam consists of a number of different metals including copper, silver, tin and mercury. This can be an advantageous choice as the material is strong and durable and can easily withstand the chewing forces in your back teeth. Amalgam is the most affordable option but fillings can crumble and discolor as they age.
Composite Resin
Composite resin is a tooth colored material made out of a mixture of plastic and glass. It’s an extremely popular choice as fillings are nearly invisible. Modern composite resins are strong and durable.
Gold
Gold fillings are actually made from a gold alloy, but are quite expensive. They are indirect fillings in that they require more than one visit to your dentist in Newport Beach, as gold fillings have to be made in a dental laboratory. Gold fillings are very durable and hard wearing.
Ceramic
Ceramic fillings are made from porcelain that can be closely matched to your natural tooth color. This material is stain resistant and strong, and ceramic fillings should last for quite some time.
Glass Ionomer
Glass ionomer fillings are made out of a combination of glass and acrylic and are not as durable as some other types of fillings. Glass ionomer fillings slowly release fluoride as this can help prevent further tooth decay. This kind of filling is generally used around the necks of teeth or in areas that are not subjected to heavy chewing and biting forces.
