A silver filling is made of an amalgam of metals. In contrast, a composite filling is made of tooth-colored composite resin that combines glass and resin particles and is customized to your smile by our dentists.
Silver vs. Composite Fillings
Besides the material, there are several differences between a silver amalgam and a tooth-colored composite filling:
- Aesthetics — A metal filling can detract from your smile, while a composite filling is customized to blend seamlessly with your smile.
- Temperature — Metal fillings expand and contract with temperature changes in the mouth, causing them to pull away from the tooth over time. Composite fillings don't react to temperature.
- Natural Tooth Structure Preservation — Unlike composite fillings, which bond directly to the tooth and require minimal removal of tooth structure, metal fillings require our dentists to remove more of the natural tooth for proper placement.
- Allergies — Some patients have allergic reactions to metal amalgam fillings, while composite fillings are generally considered a biocompatible alternative with a much lower risk of allergic response.
Contact Moore Smiles
If you have questions about tooth-colored fillings in Sweetwater, TN, or any of our other dental treatments, please talk with a friendly team member at (423) 337-5045.