Menu of NO-FAT Fillings
- Silver (amalgam)
-
Advantages: lowest cost, least technique sensitive, insurance usually covers, life-10-25 years
Disadvantages: color, weakens the tooth, sometimes requires extra tooth preparation to allow for strength of material
- Direct Composite (white)
-
Advantages: color, medium cost, bonds and strengthens tooth
Disadvantages: technique sensitive, shrinkage on setting makes unsuitable for large restorations, life- 5-15 years, wears at faster rate than other materials, not likely to be paid for by insurance, not recommended if area goes below gum
- Indirect Lab fabricated Composite (white)
-
Advantages: color, bonds and strengthens tooth, indirect fabrication allows for larger restorations
Disadvantages: technique sensitive, higher cost, two visits required, life- 10-20 years, not likely to be paid for by insurance, not recommended if area goes below gum
- Gold Inlay or Onlay
-
Advantages: life 20-40 years, good wear characteristics, less technique sensitive
Disadvantages: higher cost, two visits required, not likely to be paid for by insurance, color
| COST COMPARISON | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 surface | 2surface | 3surface | 4surface | |
| Silver | 46 | 66 | 80 | 90 |
| D Composite | 58 | 78 | 130 | |
| I Composite | 390 | 420 | 500 | 520 |
| Gold | 390 | 420 | 460 | 480 |
Those underlined are usually not good indications for that type of restoration.
We sincerely hope this menu will help you make your decision about the type of restoration that you would prefer in your mouth. As always, if you have further questions please ask either doctor for more information.
Dr. Robert H. Doty & Dr. Gregory A. Janikian