Benefits of Porcelain Fillings

For many years, dentists have used metal amalgam for repairing cavities caused by tooth decay. Not only has much of the amalgam been shown to contain toxic metals like mercury, but they do not bond to your tooth and over time actually weaken the entire structure, making future repairs more likely. Aesthetically, the gray amalgam can detract from your otherwise brilliant smile.

Most modern dentists avoid metal amalgam for alternatives like a white dental resin composite material and the increasingly popular dental porcelain. Composite fillings are often used to replace old amalgam fillings or in conjunction with other restorations like porcelain veneers.

Ceramic porcelain, used for centuries for a number of purposes, is an ideal material for dental restorations. There are many properties in porcelain that make it highly suitable for fillings, porcelain veneers, and even full-mouth restorations like dentures or dental implants. Unlike metal amalgam and dental resin, porcelain can be directly adhered to the tooth, making it stronger, not detracting from its integrity.

One of the main benefits is the natural hardness of a porcelain filling. On Moh’s scale of hardness, it falls in around 7, whereas natural tooth enamel sits at about 5 on the scale. The strength of the material helps porcelain fillings to last much longer than other filling material. Although porcelain is more likely to fracture, the ability to bond with the tooth acts as a splint to prevent breakage. Porcelain fillings are non-porous and will not stain unlike your natural teeth.

Other desirable qualities of porcelain fillings are the ability to match the color and translucent qualities of your natural tooth enamel. You natural teeth are somewhat translucent, meaning that light passes through them. The white color of your tooth is actually from the dentin part of the tooth that lies underneath the enamel. Porcelain fillings can be given this same translucence when created in the dental lab. Your dentist can also use different tints of porcelain to closely match the natural color of the surrounding teeth so your restoration does not stand out.

Unlike amalgam and resin fillings, porcelain fillings are considered indirect fillings, meaning they have to be fitted and fabricated in separate processes. Amalgam, which is a direct filling, can be placed in the prepared cavity immediately after the dentist clears out the decayed tooth material while more of the tooth must be removed to place the amalgam filling. With porcelain veneers, a cast of the cavity is made, the color of your tooth matched, and the specifications are sent to the dental laboratory to be manufactured. The fillings are then placed and bonded in a follow up visit. In all restorative cases(porcelain or composite fillings) there is more healthy tooth following the procedure which protects the long term health of the natural tooth.

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