Cosmetic Fillings - Tooth-colored FillingsThere are alternative, natural-looking materials to conventional silver-colored fillings – materials made from porcelain and composite resins, which are colored to match natural tooth enamel.
Common alternatives to amalgam fillings are:
Composite fillings -- As stated, composite fillings are just what the name implies: a mixture of resins and fine particles designed to mimic the color of natural teeth. Composite fillings provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance. Composite fillings are bonded to the tooth structure creating a better seal than amalgam/silver fillings.
Ionomers -- Like composite resins, these materials are tooth-colored. Ionomers are made from a combination of various materials, including ground glass and acrylic resins. Ionomers are typically used for fillings near the gum line or tooth root, where biting pressure is not a factor. A small amount of fluoride is released by these compounds in order to facilitate strengthened enamel in the affected area.
Porcelain (ceramic) -- This material is usually a combination of porcelain, glass powder and ceramic. Candidates for porcelain fillings are typically crowns, veneers and onlays and inlays. Unlike ionomers, porcelain fillings are more durable but can become fractured if exposed to prolonged biting pressures.