The Facts About Fillings
The Facts About Fillings
PORCELAIN (CERAMIC)
Porcelain is a glass-like material formed into fillings or crowns using models of the prepared teeth. The material is tooth-colored and is used in inlays, veneers, crowns and fixed bridges.
Advantages
• Very little tooth needs to be removed for use as a veneer; more tooth needs to be removed
for a crown because its strength is related to its bulk (size)
• Good resistance to further decay if the restoration fits well
• Is resistant to surface wear but can cause some wear on opposing teeth
• Resists leakage because it can be shaped for a very accurate fit
• The material does not cause tooth sensitivity
Disadvantages
• Material is brittle and can break under biting forces
• May not be recommended for molar teeth
• Higher cost because it requires at least two office visits and laboratory services
NICKEL OR COBALT-CHROME ALLOYS
Nickel or cobalt-chrome alloys are mixtures of nickel and chromium. They are a dark silver metal color and are used for crowns and fixed bridges and most partial denture frameworks.
Advantages
• Good resistance to further decay if the restoration fits well
• Excellent durability; does not fracture under stress
• Does not corrode in the mouth
• Minimal amount of tooth needs to be removed
• Resists leakage because it can be shaped for a very accurate fit
Disadvantages
• Is not tooth colored; alloy is a dark silver metal color
• Conducts heat and cold; may irritate sensitive teeth
• Can be abrasive to opposing teeth
• High cost; requires at least two office visits and laboratory services
• Slightly higher wear to opposing teeth
PORCELAIN FUSED TO METAL
This type of porcelain is a glass-like material that is “enameled” on top of metal shells. It is tooth-colored and is used for crowns and fixed bridges
Advantages
• Good resistance to further decay if the restoration fits well
• Very durable, due to metal substructure
• The material does not cause tooth sensitivity
• Resists leakage because it can be shaped for a very accurate fit
Disadvantages
• More tooth must be removed (than for porcelain) for the metal substructure
• Higher cost because it requires at least two office visits and laboratory services
GOLD ALLOY
Gold alloy is a gold-colored mixture of gold, copper, and other metals and is used mainly for crowns and fixed bridges and some partial denture frameworks
Advantages
• Good resistance to further decay if the restoration fits well
• Excellent durability; does not fracture under stress
• Does not corrode in the mouth
• Minimal amount of tooth needs to be removed
• Wears well; does not cause excessive wear to opposing teeth
• Resists leakage because it can be shaped for a very accurate fit
Disadvantages
• Is not tooth colored; alloy is yellow
• Conducts heat and cold; may irritate sensitive teeth
• High cost; requires at least two office visits and laboratory services
GLASS IONOMER CEMENT
Glass ionomer cement is a self-hardening mixture of glass and organic acid. It is tooth-colored and varies in translucency. Glass ionomer is usually used for small fillings, cementing metal and porcelain/metal crowns, liners, and temporary restorations.
Advantages
• Reasonably good esthetics
• May provide some help against decay because it releases fluoride
• Minimal amount of tooth needs to be removed and it bonds well to both the enamel and the dentin beneath the enamel
• Material has low incidence of producing tooth sensitivity
• Usually completed in one dental visit
Disadvantages
• Cost is very similar to composite resin (which costs more than amalgam)
• Limited use because it is not recommended for biting surfaces in permanent teeth
• As it ages, this material may become rough and could increase the accumulation of plaque and chance of periodontal disease
• Does not wear well; tends to crack over time and can be dislodged
RESIN-IONOMER CEMENT
Resin ionomer cement is a mixture of glass and resin polymer and organic acid that hardens with exposure to a blue light used in the dental office. It is tooth colored but more translucent than glass ionomer cement. It is most often used for small fillings, cementing metal and porcelain metal crowns and liners.
Advantages
• Very good esthetics
• May provide some help against decay because it releases fluoride
• Minimal amount of tooth needs to be removed and it bonds well to both the enamel and the dentin beneath the enamel
• Good for non-biting surfaces
• May be used for short-term primary teeth restorations
• May hold up better than glass ionomer but not as well as composite
• Good resistance to leakage
• Material has low incidence of producing tooth sensitivity
• Usually completed in one dental visit
Disadvantages
• Cost is very similar to composite resin (which costs more than amalgam)
• Limited use because it is not recommended to restore the biting surfaces of adults
• Wears faster than composite and amalgam
DENTAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
1432 Howe Avenue • Sacramento, California 95825 • www.dbc.ca.gov
Published by California Department of Consumer Affairs 5/04