Fillings

The main types of fillings used in dentistry are:

Amalgam

This is the silvery material used most widely for filling back teeth, it has been around in one form or another for over 100 years although recent improvements to its formulation have massively reduced its setting times and increased its strength. Although we still use this material it is increasingly less common.

Gold

A gold alloy is usually used because pure gold is quite soft. The use of gold has a long history and is a very suitable material for restoring teeth. It is very strong even in thin sections and lasts very well, especially in people with low decay rates.

Composite

This is a tooth coloured material based on a plastic resin with a filler. Composite is the most common filling material now used. It proves a resilient, aesthetic result but can be time consuming to place as it is a very technique sensitive.

Glass Ionomer Cements

These are materials based on acid soluble alumino fluoro-silicate glass. They are tooth coloured but have fairly low strength. However they release fluoride and so can be appropriate in some situations (eg for decay on exposed roots or in children).

Ceramic (porcelain)

Porcelain has been used as a tooth coloured alternative to gold because of its excellent appearance. However it can be a brittle material and it can fracture if over-stressed. It is a very aesthetic filling material and recent improvements, such as the addition of Zirconia, have made it stronger.  It is used for larger restorations where composite may not be strong enough.