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Do you have a cavity? Are you weighing out the pros and cons of white fillings vs silver fillings and you don’t know which to choose? This article will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision in partnership with your dentist in South Burlington.

What’s the difference between white fillings and silver fillings?

White fillings
White fillings are made of a resin composite material and are built to replicate the exact look and function of your natural teeth. When they first became popular, white fillings were only used on the front teeth, but as dental technology has improved and white fillings have been made stronger, they have become a popular solution used to fill cavities anywhere in the mouth.

The main benefit of white fillings is their appearance. Because of their colour, they are nearly invisible to others. Some also prefer them because they don’t contain any mercury.

Because white fillings are made of composite, your dentist in South Burlington has to use special techniques that result in a more complicated installation process. This is one reason why white fillings are more expensive than silver ones.

Silver fillings
Silver fillings are made of a mixture of metals that can include copper, tin, and silver. Because they are made of metal, they are more durable than white fillings and are often the best choice to fill cavities that develop in the molars.

Some silver fillings contain mercury which has caused controversy in the past. Patients should discuss any concerns they have about this with their dentist in South Burlington.

While silver fillings are less expensive than white fillings, they do have the potential to expand over time, and this could fracture the tooth. This does not happen often, but the possibility is something to keep in mind when deciding whether to go with a white filling or a silver filling. The composite material used to make white fillings does not expand.

There are many factors to consider when choosing between a white filling or silver filling to fix your cavity. These factors include the location of the cavity in the mouth, the size and depth of the cavity, your personal history with cavities, your level of comfort with dental treatments, and more.

If you would like to discuss the differences between white and silver fillings with a dental professional, call our team at Maple Mews Dental in Burlington to make an appointment today. We’ll assess the condition of your teeth, determine if a filling is required, and help build the right treatment plan for you.

Our office is conveniently located in the Longos shopping plaza across from Maple Mall in Burlington. New patients and emergencies are always welcome.