How many types of tooth filling materials are there?

What is a filling?
Tooth Filling, or Tooth Filling, treatment or restoration of damaged teeth by adding synthetic materials to the teeth to replace lost tooth pulp. To be able to return to normal use It will help remove the decayed tooth pulp and prevent it from spreading further. There are 3 popular types of tooth fillings, including fillings with metal-colored material (amalgam), Amalgam Filling, tooth-colored filling material. (Composite resin) and ceramic or porcelain tooth-colored materials (Inlay / Onlay)
How many types of tooth filling materials are there?
There are three popular types of dental filling materials: metal fillings (amalgam), tooth-colored fillings. (composite resin) and ceramic.

1. Amalgam Filling
This is a metal-colored tooth filling material, commonly known as Amalgam Filling. It is made from a combination of mercury, silver, tin, and other metals, resulting in a dark color. Dentists often recommend it for molar fillings.

The advantage of this material is its durability and strength for chewing. The procedure to apply it is straightforward, and it’s relatively inexpensive.

However, the disadvantage is that the color of the filling material is quite noticeable. Therefore, it is not suitable for front teeth where aesthetics are a concern.

Amalgam fillings

2. Tooth-colored filling material (composite resin)
It is a tooth filling that uses tooth-colored material or called Resin Composite Filling. It is a tooth filling that has a natural color. Can be used to fill teeth in both front teeth and molars. There is a process that is somewhat more complicated because it must be done through light irradiation in order for the material to harden, and when the material has hardened, the dentist will retouch the material again for beauty. After completion, your teeth can be used immediately, no need to wait 24 hours.
Advantages: It is safe because the material does not contain mercury.
Disadvantages: This type of material is more expensive. It is less durable than metal. Which is easy to cause stains from tea, coffee and cigarettes.

Picture of the case before and after filling the tooth with tooth-colored material.

3. Ceramic or porcelain tooth-colored material (Inlay / Onlay)
Inlay fillings are used inside the tooth, while onlays cover a larger area, including both the interior and the outer surface of the tooth.
Inlays and onlays can be made from various materials such as ceramic, gold, or tooth-colored composite resin. Ceramic inlays and onlays offer clarity and natural beauty, while gold provides higher strength and durability.
The advantage of inlay and onlay fillings is that they add more strength to the teeth compared to ordinary fillings. They help protect the remaining tooth structure and pulp from breakage. The material does not change color over time or from food stains, maintaining a natural appearance.
Disadvantages include being more expensive than regular dental fillings. The treatment requires two visits: during the first visit, an impression of the teeth is taken and sent to a dental lab. The tooth is then filled with a temporary material. After about 3-5 days, a second appointment is scheduled to fit the inlay or onlay.

Picture of the case before and after filling the tooth with ceramic. (Ceramic Inlay)

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