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Types of Dental Fillings

A dental filling should be safe, durable and functional while also meeting the patient’s aesthetic expectations. When selecting a filling material, it is therefore important to consider the patient’s risk of tooth decay, the location of the filling, the size of the cavity being treated and any other demands that will be placed on the filling. Today, dentists can choose from three basic types of plastic restorative materials: amalgam, composite resin and glass ionomer cements.

Amalgam

Amalgam is an alloy of mercury and silver. It is the longest-established filling material and is characterised by its strength, resistance to chewing forces, antibacterial properties, ability to form a “self-seal” within the tooth, high durability, lower cost and ease of handling. The main disadvantage of amalgam fillings is their metallic appearance.

Based on the recommendations of the FDI (World Dental Federation), our practice uses encapsulated non-gamma-2 amalgam, which offers a longer lifespan and improved physical properties, while most importantly providing maximum stabilisation of the mercury component of the alloy.

Composite Filling – “White Filling”

A composite filling, also known as a tooth-coloured filling, is a highly aesthetic replacement for part of a tooth. Thanks to their natural white colour, composites are particularly well suited for treating front teeth, areas that are visible when smiling, and cases where tooth enamel has been lost due to an injury. However, they are not particularly suitable for patients with a high risk of tooth decay and poor oral hygiene.

Glass Ionomer Cements – “White Filling”

Glass ionomer cements are materials that represent a certain compromise between the two options described above. They are aesthetic, have anti-caries properties and are easy to handle. However, they are not as mechanically resistant as amalgam or as highly aesthetic as composite materials. Of the three materials, they have the strongest antibacterial properties, making them particularly suitable for patients with a high risk of tooth decay. Their main advantage is their safety, although this comes at the cost of a shorter lifespan.