How Dental Fillings With Metal Compare to Tooth-Colored Ones

Cavities are one of the most common reasons people go to the dentist. When a tooth starts to break down from decay, a filling is often the best fix. There are two main types people tend to hear about: a dental filling with metal and a tooth-colored filling.

Both are used to repair damage and stop it from getting worse, but they don’t look or feel the same. If you’ve ever wondered which might be better for your smile, knowing the pros and cons can help make your next visit feel a little less uncertain. The following explains how each option works and what you might want to think about before deciding.

What Is a Dental Filling and Why It’s Needed

Fillings start with a simple goal: stop a cavity from getting bigger. When a dentist finds a spot of decay in your tooth, the damaged part is cleared out to prevent it from spreading. Once the area is cleaned, it leaves an empty space behind, and that’s where the filling comes in.

The filling seals off the hole so that food, bacteria, and new decay can’t get in again. It also helps your tooth keep its shape, so biting and chewing don’t feel strange. Fixing a cavity early with a good filling can:

• Stop pain before it starts
• Keep your bite feeling normal
• Lower the chances of needing bigger repairs later

Whether the hole is small or more noticeable, getting a filling gives your tooth protection and keeps your mouth healthy.

How Metal Fillings Look, Feel, and Work

Metal fillings have been used for decades, and they’re still a solid choice in a lot of cases. You might have heard them called "silver fillings," even though they’re made from a mix of different metals. These fillings have a reputation for being strong and long-lasting.

They work especially well in spots that get a lot of pressure, like your back molars. That’s where chewing and grinding can be toughest on your teeth. Metal fillings can hold up to that wear and tear without cracking or falling out easily.

But, because of their shiny color, they do stand out more. Someone looking closely might be able to spot them right away when you talk or smile. That’s something some people don’t mind at all, and others prefer to avoid. It helps to know going in how noticeable a metal filling can be.

Kanaka Creek Family Dental offers metal amalgam dental fillings, providing durable and time-tested options for patients who need extra strength where it matters most.

What to Know About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings give people another option that blends in better. These are usually made from a type of resin that can match the shade of your natural teeth. So when a dentist places one, it usually doesn’t stand out or look any different from the rest of your smile.

The resin material bonds well with your tooth, which helps seal the area fully and keep things comfortable when you bite or chew. Many people choose these kinds of fillings for spots that are more visible, like the front teeth or ones close to them.

Here’s what people often like about tooth-colored fillings:

• They look more natural, especially when you talk or laugh
• They can be matched to your other teeth so they blend in
• They don’t reflect light the way silver fillings do

They may not always be quite as strong in high-pressure areas, but for the right tooth in the right spot, they work well and look great.

At Kanaka Creek Family Dental, we use composite resins for tooth-colored fillings to repair cavities discreetly and help you maintain a seamless smile.

Choosing What’s Right for Your Smile

Every mouth is different, and so is every cavity. That’s why patients are helped to make choices based on what works best for their particular situation. If a tooth is near the back and does most of the chewing, the extra strength of a dental filling with metal might make more sense.

For teeth near the front or that show more when smiling, a tooth-colored filling can keep things looking clean and natural. It’s not always just about looks or strength, though. Dentists think about how big the cavity is, how your bite fits together, and what kind of result you want.

Here’s how the decision is usually thought through with you:

• Back teeth (molars) often benefit from filling strength
• Front teeth usually look better with natural coloring
• Every option works best when paired with good brushing and regular checkups

As long as the filling is placed correctly and you take care of it, either type can last a long time and keep your smile feeling good.

Your Filling, Your Way

Both types of fillings, metal and tooth-colored, have their place. Some people need strength first, others care more about how it looks. Either way, the goal is to help your tooth stay healthy and stop small problems from growing bigger.

With our modern technology and patient-focused approach, we help you understand whether a tooth-colored or metal filling is the better fit for your tooth and your lifestyle. Whether you’re fixing a spot no one can see or one that's front and center, the right filling helps your smile stay strong and comfortable throughout the day.

At Kanaka Creek Family Dental, we take the time to talk through every option so you can feel confident about how your smile is cared for. Trying to understand whether a tooth-colored option or a dental filling with metal is the better choice? We’re here to help guide you based on your tooth’s location and your personal preference. No matter what, our goal is always to bring comfort and strength back to your bite. If you’re in Maple Ridge and wondering what's right for your needs, give us a call today.