The Pros and Cons of Amalgam, Composite Resin, Glass Ionomer, and Resin Ionomer

My teacher told me that a lot of people have intense ideas about amalgam's and all that, so I thought I would talk about the differences between most of the materials that you can use in a cavity.

Amalgam

Advantages

• strong, durable and stands up to biting force
• can be placed in one visit
• normally the least expensive filling material
• self-sealing with minimal to no shrinkage, and resits leakage
• resistance to further decay is high
• frequency of repair or replacement is ow
• only material that can be used in a wet environment (good for kids)

Disadvantages

• the FDA, CDC, and WHO have not found evidence of harm, but there are some people and groups who have raised concerns about the very low levels of mercury vapour released by amalgam
• amalgam scrap (waste left over after repairing a cavity) contains mercury and requires special handling to protect the environment
• can darken over time as it corrodes, but this does not affect the function of the restorations
• placement requires removal of some healthy tooth structures
• in rare cases, a localised allergic reaction such as inflammation or rash may occur.

Composite Resin

 

Advantages

• colour and shading can be matched to the existing tooth, composite is relatively strong material providing good durability in small to mid size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure
• generally used on front of back teeth
• usually complete in a single visit<
• moderate resistant to breakage
• often permits preservation of as much tooth as possible
• low risk of leakage if bonded only to the enamel
• does not corrode
• moderately resistant to further decay
• frequency of repair is low and moderate 

 Disadvantages

• can break and wear our more easily than metal fillings
• may need to be replaced more than metal fillings
• some times difficult and time consuming to place
• cannot be used in all situations
• more expensive than amalgam
• may wear faster then the enamel
• in rare cases there can be a localised allergic reaction

Its hard to see it because the dentist has matched the colour pretty good, but if you look carefully you can see the outline

Glass Ionomer 

Advantages

• tooth coloured filling
• can contain fluoride that may help prevent further decay
• min amount of tooth structure removed
• low incidence of allergic reactions
• usually complete within a single visit

Disadvantages

• low resistance to fracture
• it is limited to non-biting surfaces
• moderate costs (costs more than amalgam)
• as irt ages this material may become rough and plaque can build up on it
• can become dislodges
• rare localised allergic reactions

Resin Ionomer

Advantages

• tooth coloured
• can contain fluoride
• min amount of tooth structure is lost
• low incidence of allergic reaction
• may be used for short term fillings in there primary teeth
• may last longer than glass ionomer but not as durable as composite
• completed in one visit

Disadvantages

• limited use, not recommended for the biting surface of the teeth
• moderate cost (more than amalgam)
• wears faster than composite and amalgam
• rare localised allergic reaction