White vs. Silver Fillings for Oral Health and Aesthetics

If you have minor tooth decay or damage, there are two dental filling options to treat your teeth. You could opt for either white or silver fillings. But which is better? The short answer: it depends. White fillings are ideal for specific instances where silver fillings may fall short, and vice versa is true. Your dentist will discuss the best filling suitable for your current clinical needs.

At Surrey Place Dental Group, we always go the extra mile to offer our patients high-quality dental care. We blend cutting-edge technology with gentle care to keep your teeth and gums healthy. So, when you need cavity treatment in Surrey, British Columbia, you can trust our dentists and the team to determine the best treatment suited for your smile.

What are white fillings?

White fillings are made from composite resin — the material used in cosmetic bonding. Composite fillings can be color-matched to resemble the shade of your teeth, which gives them an aesthetic advantage over their silver-coloured counterparts.

Besides, the composite resin is pliable, allowing the doctor to mould it easily when treating a cavity. This way, we don’t need to drill out much of your tooth during treatment. The conservative nature of white fillings preserves your tooth’s integrity structure, keeping it strong and healthy for years to come.

The other reasons your dentist may prefer white fillings include:

• They are suitable for patients allergic to metal
• Versatile enough to treat front and posterior teeth
• They are made with biocompatible materials — toxin-free materials
• White fillings don’t change in size despite temperature changes

What are silver fillings?

Also known as amalgam fillings, silver-coloured fillings are created from a combination of metals, including copper, silver, tin, and mercury. Silver-coloured fillings are highly durable, hence preferred for the back teeth to withstand the daily stress of chewing.

While silver fillings are effective in cavity treatment, one common disadvantage is they don’t match the color of your natural teeth. They may stand out whenever you open your mouth; hence, they aren’t preferable to treat cavities for teeth in your “smile zone.”

White vs. silver fillings: the verdict

When looking to treat your teeth with aesthetics in mind, white fillings could be the best option. However, when treating posterior teeth, you need a durable material to withstand the biting forces when chewing and grinding. That’s where silver fillings sometimes come into play, although in most instances both materials will work well. Ask our knowledgable dentists about which option is right for you.

Restore your smile with dental fillings

Want to get rid of your cavity-laden smile in Surrey, BC? Please dial (604) 969-4212 to schedule an appointment with Surrey Place Dental Group for affordable cavity treatment.