Composite Resin vs. Porcelain Fillings: Which one is better?

Modern, mercury-free dentistry allows us to restore your teeth with durable solutions without sacrificing safety, beauty, or affordability. As a matter of fact, we usually have more than one option to satisfy your needs. For example, if you require a dental filling, our practice offers composite resin and porcelain fillings as biocompatible, aesthetically pleasing materials.

How do you know which filling you should invest in? The first step in starting your journey to safe fillings is to find a dentist that you can believe in that performs mercury-free dentistry in your area.

If you are looking for a trustworthy, reliable dentist in the San Francisco Bay Area, Dr. Mina Levi helps patients decide which mercury-free dentistry methods are most suitable for their needs. Schedule an appointment to learn more about composite resin and porcelain fillings.

While we understand that deciding on a filling material can be difficult, it doesn’t have to be. In this guide, we go over four questions to ask yourself before getting a metal-free filling.

1.How large is your cavity?

Knowing the size of your cavity is one of the most critical pieces of information when deciding on filling material. Composite resin is ideal for smaller cavities. Likewise, composite resin:

  • Doesn’t require enamel removal
  • Can easily flow into smaller spaces
  • Is highly durable when used sparingly

Conversely, the composite resin is not ideal for larger cavities because it can significantly weaken the tooth. Additionally, filling a larger cavity with composite resin raises the risk of improper curing, leading to pressure and sensitivity.

Instead, opt for porcelain fillings if you need to fill a larger cavity. Generally, porcelain is less likely to break than composite resin.

2.Are your teeth strong?

Although everyone wants strong teeth, not everyone is fortunate enough to have them. Dental strength varies from person to person. So, as a rule of thumb, stronger teeth can handle composite fillings, and weaker teeth that have experienced past damage gravitate towards porcelain fillings to strengthen your teeth and prevent further damage.

3.How noticeable is the filing?

An added benefit of mercury-free dentistry is that it is metal-free too. Composite resin and porcelain fillings are tooth-colored, so they blend in and can look as good as new when adequately maintained. Still, composite resin fillings can lose their luster and are vulnerable to staining. Contrariwise, porcelain is naturally stain-resistant, so lean toward ceramic fillings for highly visible teeth.

4.Is this a brand new or replacement mercury-free filling?

Typically, composite resin can work for new fillings. However, if you are replacing an old filling, consider porcelain. Furthermore, this is especially true for replacing amalgam fillings. Amalgam fillings experience thermal expansion and contraction. Subsequently, microcracking develops and weakens the teeth, so porcelain can be used to restrengthen the teeth.

Explore Mercury-Free Dentistry in San Francisco

Although you can use this question list to guide your choice, the most crucial question is one you can ask your dentist is, “Which type of filling do you recommend?” Dr. Mina Levi uses her experience while evaluating your current health status to help you decide which mercury-free, minimally invasive filling will work for your tooth’s natural structure. Find out about your mercury-free dentistry options at California Dental Innovations by calling 415-513-5066 or messaging us online.