Despite your best efforts when it comes to brushing and flossing, it’s still possible that you might develop a cavity that requires a filling.

However, while one size might fit all when it comes to selecting a filling, the materials used can make a dramatic difference on the appearance and health of your teeth. Not only do different types of fillings offer different atheistic and oral health benefits, they also can vary widely in terms of cost.

To help you get a better idea of what to expect when choosing the right filling for you, here’s what you need to know to get your filling knowledge up to speed.

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Affordable Fillings
For over 100 years, dentists have used amalgam fillings to repair cavities. Made from a combination of alloys that include mercury, copper, tin, and silver, amalgam fillings offer patients an affordable and highly durable cavity repair option.

Because of their durable nature, amalgam fillings are generally used to repair cavities located in the back molars. However because of their metallic appearance, amalgam fillings standout, making them very noticeable against the white background of your teeth.

In recent years, concerns have been raised about the use of mercury in amalgam fillings as a potential health threat. Despite the use of mercury, the American Dental Association continues to consider the use of amalgam fillings on patients as safe.

Natural Looking Fillings
Widely used by dentists, composite fillings made from a glass and resin composite are designed to blend naturally into your teeth’s natural color.

Most dentists recommend this type of filling for any small or medium-sized cavity, especially for teeth that are heavily used in chewing, such as the back molars.

Composite fillings make an excellent choice for individuals who suffer from dental anxiety, as the composite blends allow the fillings to be bonded to teeth, which requires less drilling than traditional amalgam fillings.

Composite fillings do have some disadvantages. Because they are designed to match your tooth’s natural color, they can become stained or discolored over time just as any of your natural teeth.

While durable, the materials used to make composite fillings have a tendency to break more frequently when compared to traditional amalgam fillings.

Fluoride Releasing Fillings
A relatively new addition to available options, glass ionomer fillings are made from fine-glass powders and acrylic acids. Glass ionomer fillings blend seamlessly into your tooth’s natural color, and are designed to slowly release low dosages of fluoride, which works to prevent further decay.

Due to the delicate nature of glass ionomer fillings, they are only suitable to fill cavities located near the gum line or between teeth.

Deciding Which Filling is Right for You
Selecting the right type of filling to use generally depends on a number of factors. First, you need to consult with your dentist to determine which type of filling best meets your oral health needs.

Once you have determined what type of filling will best maintain and improve your oral health, you can take cost and appearance into consideration.

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Amalgam fillings offer a combination of durability and affordability, while composite fillings offer functionality and a natural looking aesthetic, but at a higher cost.

To determine whether composite filings are worth the additional cost, you should start by checking with your insurance provider to determine what type of filling is covered by your insurance plan.