replacing fillings with white ones?

Question

Is it a good idea and will it make a difference? I've heard that white fillings are supposed to be better than the other amalgam (i think that's the dentistry name for it).

I've read another post on this site, and I have 100% faith with my dentist. I'd only get one done at a time instead of an overhaul. I want to get two of my back teeth done anyway, as I've got a bit of soreness there anyways and I have a feeling there is decay underneath the filling.

Apart from that, I was wondering whether or not other people have to wear mouthguards that they can get from their dentists, as I think that I grind my teeth in my sleep. My father had the same problem, but I don't know if I do. I know grinding causes the filling to crack.

Any help would be most appreciated. Do white fillings last longer than the metal ones?xxx

Answer 1

Amalgams will last longer than composites in high-stress situations. It is not uncommon for amalgams to last indefinitely, but the same cannot be said with confidence about composite fillings.
If the fillings are small, then replacement for aesthetic considerations is reasonable. The larger the filling, the more I'd tend towards an amalgam or even a crown.
Patients tend to have more post-op sensitivity with composites. As the composites rare placed, they shrink upon setting, so they must be built up in small increments in a perfectly dry operating field. Amalgams need no such care, and are almost idiot-proof.
Composites bond best to enamel, and this can be difficult for holes between teeth where the bottom margin of the cavity may have little or no enamel. Lack of bonding in this critical area can lead to fresh decay. However, amalgams slightly corrode, and any microscopic margins are sealed with corrosion products.
Contrary to Dr Albert above, amalgams do not degrade over time and are not affected by environmental changes. However, composites can wear down, and their dentine bond deteriorates over time. Nor is the retention of composites better than amalgams. Amalgams can be surprisingly retentive, and sometimes take much more to remove than composites because of weak dentine bonding forces with composites.
Re tooth grinding. If you are grinding in your sleep, then your dentist might be able to see wear facets on your teeth. Grinders also often wake up other family members or partners. You would also tend to wake up with sore jaw muscles in the morning. Only if visible damage is occurring would I suggest you get a nightguard. Filled teeth crack due to everyday forces over a long period of time, not usually to night grinding.

Answer 2

It's not a bad idea to get white fillings. Some people feel the amalgum metal is toxic for your body, but it has been used for years. White fillings do not last as long as metal fillings because they are not as strong, NO MATTER WHAT YOUR DENTIST SAYS. White fillings are a plastic resin. Amalgum fillings can last 50 years or more, believe it or not. However, white fillings are more esthetically pleasing.

Replacing a filling may cause sensitivity to the tooth. Vibrations from the handpiece (drill) can cause nerve sensitivity in the tooth. Doesn't always happen, but it may and it is uncomfortable. May or may not last for a long time.

I would replace amalgum fillings that only are decayed. Or for esthetic purposes on the bottom teeth because one can see those teeth when you talk or laugh. Harder to see the top biting surfaces of teeth.

Mouthguards or niteguards are ridiculously overpriced but that's just the way it is. It's worth it if you are grinding your teeth and causing damage or wear. It can last a long time. Several years depending how hard you grind. If you are prone to headaches from the grinding, this would alleviate it.

Hope this helped! :)

Answer 3

I know exactly what you mean I hated my grey/silver fillings and I got my dentist to replace them with white ones, I had to pay for them privately but it was well worth it. I am not sure how much it cost now, but I chipped a filling recently and I had it replaced and it cost £78 for a new white one. I know people say that white ones don't last as long in back teeth, but I had mine changed over 20 years ago and other than one falling out 12 years ago and the one I recently chipped I have had no problems. Good luck

Answer 4

I got my silvers replaced with white fillings when the amalgams broke down. They don't last as long, but I didn't want so much silver in my mouth any more.

Your dentist will be able to tell if you are grinding your teeth and suggest the best course of action. I'm looking at getting a splint for clenching.

Answer 5

Why fix somethng that isn't broken?

You could have all of your amalgam fillings replaced with white (composite) ones, but that would involve drilling out the amalgam and making new undercuts in the prep to hold the new material in place...not to mention that composite fillings are more expensive than amalgam ones.

Amalgam is stronger than composite, especially it's 'crushing strength'. That's why it was/is used on back teeth. Over time, composite filling material can 'wash' out, so a replacement would be needed.

Occlusal guards are great for those who grind at night. You'd know if you were grinding if you wake up with a 'headache' at your TMJ (in front of your ears) or near your temples.

~Not quite sure if I've answered your question, but those are my thoughts on your question.

:)

Answer 6

Actually, the amalgam (metal) fillings last longer than the white ones. A lot of dentists are replacing old amalgam fillings with the white material, because of patients wanting to have natural looking fillings. If your teeth are starting to bother you, have them replaced, by all means. There was some concern about the mercury used in the amalgam, but opinions on the safety of them is divided.

Mouth guards are supposed to help protect your teeth from getting worn down prematurely from grinding. They are also recommended, if you are developing joint problems from this habit. If your dentist recommended one for you, he/she had a good reason for it. Questions about your individual case should be directed to your treating dentist.

Answer 7

The white fillings wear down faster and have to be "built up" after a few years.

Answer 8

METAL FILLINS TEND TO DEGRADE OVER TIME. AS FAR AS COMPOSITE FILLING ARE CONCERNED, THEY ARE NOT AS AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE, MOISTURE, ACIDIC CONDITIONS, ETC.
THE RETENTION OF COMPOSITES IS MUCH BETTER THAN AMARGAMS WHICH RELY ONLY ON UNDERCUTS AND OR CAVITY PREPARATION RATHER THAN ON BIOCHEMICAL RETENTION.
IF YOU GRIND AT NIGHT, THEN YOU NEED TO OBTAIN AND WEAR AN N.T.I. BRUXISM APPLIANCE, HAVE YOUR DENTIST MAKE YOU ONE. HERE ARE SOOME LINKS: