Amalgam & Composite Fillings

For over 150 years, dentists have used amalgam filling material to help restore form, function, and health to teeth. These fillings are made out of a mixture of silver, tin, copper, and a small amount of mercury. This allows the mixture to be manipulated with ease during placement and then quickly harden after.

There are many benefits to this type of filling. Amalgam fillings can perform better and longer for teeth that are naturally subjected to extensive chewing force and are also more affordable than tooth-colored composites.

Composite filling material is a plastic that comes in different shades to be used to fill front teeth, where esthetics are important and biting forces are less than on the back teeth. Although composite fillings can be made to look esthetic, the material lacks the compressive strength to last in posterior chewing locations and typically fail within 4 to 5 years in such situations. For back teeth, silver amalgam is the better material if the filling must bear chewing pressure.

To learn what filling type is right for you, please talk to the Byrne Dental team during your next visit or give us a call at (605) 342-1200. As one of the top local family dentist offices in Rapid City, SD, we have the experience necessary to protect your oral health.