MEDICAL INSIDER
DR. RHODA ENTERO
POSTED FOR SEPTEMBER 3, 2023
30 Colored Fillings versus Amalgam Fillings –
Colored Fillings versus Amalgam Fillings –
Which One Should You Choose?

(Part 4)

In our August 27, 2023 edition, we suggested a
discussion of topics regarding Dental Amalgam
Fillings which include the following: The older
and Tested Option; Better Suited to Withstand
Moisture; Cost-Effective and Easy to Maintain;
Color Is Its Main Disadvantage; Not a Cosmetic
or Aesthetic Option; and Allergies and Mercury
Poisoning.
We were done with our discussion of The Older
and Tested Option. We now go to the next:

  1. Better Suited to Withstand Moisture:
    Saliva is most present at the back of the
    mouth, which helps wash away the acids
    produced by the bacteria that feed off starch,
    sugars, and leftover food there. The metals
    used in amalgam can also better survive that
    area that’s constantly moisturized by spit.

Front teeth don’t get wet as much in
comparison.

  1. Cost-Effective and Easy to Maintain:
    Amalgam is much cheaper when compared
    to tooth-colored fillings. It’s also easier to
    maintain. You’re not constantly going back to
    the dentist in order to put it back either
    because of its 5-7 average lifespan or
    because you’ve accidentally bit into it too
    strongly, resulting in it breaking altogether.
    It’s made of metal so it’s supposed to be
    tough.
  2. Color Is Its Main Disadvantage: The reason
    why it’s mostly put into molars isn’t just
    because it’s tough. It’s also because molars
    are easier to hide when you smile since
    they’re located at the back of your mouth,
    which means the ugly gray amalgam is safely
    hidden away. Its color is also the reason why
    it’s not used to fill in front teeth as well.
  3. Not a Cosmetic or Aesthetic Option:
    Amalgam is colored silver but mostly looks
    gray or black to the naked eye. It’s visible
    whenever you talk or open your mouth really
    wide. If you smile, they’re safely tucked away

from sight. It’s not a cosmetic option in the
least. It’s quite noticeable compared to
colored fillings that blend well with the rest of
your teeth, thereby making it seem you don’t
have cavities at all.

  1. Allergies and Mercury Poisoning: There
    are some people who cannot use amalgam at
    all because they’re allergic to the metals
    involved, thus they’re forced to use
    composite fillings or go straight to putting a
    crown over their tooth. What’s more,
    miniscule amounts of mercury vapor do exit
    the fillings over time, which many do view as
    a health concern.