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If we do not take excellent care of our teeth and eat a diet that has a lot of sugary food and drinks, it is inevitable that over time cavities will develop which will need to be fixed by a dentist. Eating healthily and adopting an excellent oral hygiene routine can help to keep the cavities away. Still, if you do develop one, there is a choice of materials your dentist can use for your filling, and below are some of the different types of cavity fillings that are available.

Amalgam Fillings

Although your dentist may have a limited choice of filling materials to choose from, they will most likely be able to offer amalgam fillings, which have been used by dentists for over a century. Amalgam fillings are a good option. Made from a combination of different metallic elements and are dark in colour, they are noticeable when you open your mouth full. They are made of a durable and robust material and are perfect for fillings in the molars where you do a lot of chewing.

Ceramic Fillings

Ceramic fillings are typically made from porcelain and can be the colour of teeth, so it does not stand out as much as amalgam fillings. They are somewhat stain-resistant when compared to composite fillings, but they are on the pricey side as you can pay as much as you would for a gold filling when you choose porcelain. They are long-lasting, and the price can be worth it if you want something hard for people to notice.

Metal Fillings

You can also choose gold or silver fillings for your teeth if you have cavities which need filling. However, they can be expensive as you can pay as much as ten times more for a gold filling than you would an amalgam filling. They are hard-wearing, but they are also easily noticeable, so it may not be the right choice for someone self-conscious or of low self-esteem.

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings can also be known as filled resin fillings. The emergency dentist in Sydney CBD or in your local area can use them in case you have slightly chipped tooth. It can be matched to your teeth so that nobody can notice you have had dental work. They will last a long time, albeit they can get stained over time.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

A glass ionomer filling is made from a composite of glass and acrylic, and it will create a pocket that will release fluoride into the teeth slowly, helping to protect your teeth. Out of all the options listed above, glass ionomer is the least durable option, and you may have to get it replaced within five years.

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If you have a cavity in your teeth and need a filling, speak to your dentist about the different options and choose the one that suits you best. Make sure that you ask for advice on caring for your fillings from your dentist, and take better care of your teeth to prevent needing any more fillings in your teeth in the future.