Well-maintained porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years, compared to the five- to seven-year average lifespan of composites. In a best-case scenario, composite fillings have a life expectancy of from two to ten years, on average. Teeth grinding can cause fillings to wear out faster. In a society focused on a white, bright smile, people tend to want fillings that blend with the natural color of their teeth. The procedure for inserting white fillings is quick and painless. Composite Resin Restorations | White Fillings. The first questions that usually come to mind when someone needs a cavity fixed are “how much does a dental filling cost?” and “what is the procedure like?” Only later, sometimes not until they have a problem with a filling, do people start to ask “how long do fillings last?”. 0 comment . A restoration is making something like new again and a well done composite filling will do just that. Some fillings might even need to be replaced as soon as five years after they’re set in place. Amalgam fillings are often called silver fillings because of their color. With proper care, your fillings will last many years, sometimes even decades. They are technique-sensitive, meaning that an exact, meticulous protocol must be followed--a protocol that is time consuming for the patient and the practitioner. However, composite fillings are vulnerable to staining. Cost of Teeth Bonding. To treat a cavity your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then \"fill\" the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed. Dental fillings are less expensive and more conservative than dental crowns, so are an excellent alternative for those requiring a quick and non-invasive repair – that won’t damage the hip pocket! For cavities in visible parts of the mouth, a composite resin filling is a popular choice, since the tooth-colored plastic material blends in easily. (SOURCE: The Journal of the American College of Dentists--1998) Your Jaws ~ Your Life (page 48) For 150 years, dental amalgam fillings have played a key role in treating decayed teeth. 0 thank. A dentist regularly monitors your fillings as part of a normal check-up, looking for decay, cracks, discolouration or weakness. Once in place, composite fillings will also not corrode or expand like metal fillings can. However, usually an amalgam filling has a lifespan of about 12 years and that of a composite filling is less than that. How long do dental fillings last? Dental Crowns vs. Implants: Which is the Best Choice. That makes them a great choice for fillings that are going to be highly visible. A small filling typically lasts from 20-40 years without issue, but if the area of decay gets larger and requires more work, it may not last as long. However, composite fillings are vulnerable to staining. Some things to watch out for include hard candies, dried fruits, gummy foods, nuts, and ice. They do contain some silver, along with copper, tin and other metals. Shorter lifespan – composite fillings only last approximately 5 to 8 years; Cost more than other filling materials; Factors to Consider When Choosing Which Material to Use for Dental Fillings. To maximize the lifespan of an existing filling, some dentists recommend placing a dental crown eventually to protect and preserve the remaining tooth. Silver Amalgam fillings last less, between 10 to 15 years. Composite fillings can be placed on both front and back teeth. Porcelain is a far stronger material than composite resin (even with the improvements in resin materials over the years). For example, composite fillings that are placed on the tops of molars are exposed to significantly more wear and tear than those that are applied in between teeth. Key features of composite: Overall, the average lifespan of a composite filling is about 5-7 years. ... Lifespan of Bonded Teeth. As for longevity, it depends on how it is placed and what materials they use. The composite filling lifespan can run from five to 15 years. For most, the average lifespan ranges between 10 and 15 years, but we have seen cases in which they have lasted up to 20 years. (If you don’t have a dentist, use our search tool to find one.). They are also more expensive, sometimes almost double the cost of amalgam. A small hole, or cavity, forms. The next most durable material for dental fillings is amalgam, which lasts on average for 10 to 15 years. Your dentist will be able to professionally advise you of your composite filling life expectancy. If you are having a composite filling placed, it is important to discuss these factors with your local dentist. However, the location of the filling can affect its lifespan. Composite fillings also may not withstand heavy pressure from chewing the way amalgam fillings can, and they may not last as long. What are fillings made of? When properly taken care of a composite fillings can last for many years. The flexibility of resin composite means less drilling is required. More frequent replacement. A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. But ceramic fillings resist staining and maintain their polish well. They are also less likely to stain. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. Composite fillings are made of resin, which is a hard polymer, mixed with glass or quartz particles. The timespan mentioned for each type of filling is an average, not an expiration date. Some fillings may fail much sooner while others last twice as long than expected. The first visit to a dentist will entail a thorough examination of your fillings. Bruxism is the dental term for teeth grinding or clenching. Over the years, dental fillings have become more natural-looking. Some studies say up to 10 years. Mercury makes up about half of an amalgam filling. This range is so wide because there are a number of factors that affect how long they last. In general, dentists prefer to leave fillings alone unless there is a problem, even if they are long past their expected life. The main reason that people are willing to pay more for a composite filling that won’t last as long as a metal filling is aesthetics. That’s because composite fillings require the tooth be kept clean and dry while the cavity or damage is being filled. Answer Save. As with any filling material composites have a finite life-span. It used to be that the strength and wear characteristics of dental composite clearly did not equal those of amalgam, and for this reason did not make the best choice for comparatively larger fillings for back teeth. Ask doctors free. A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. Composite fillings are made of resin, which is a hard polymer, mixed with glass or quartz particles. However, there is no way to determine exactly how long one filling will last. Made to resemble your... With more than 90% of adults suffering from cavities, fillings are the most common type of dental work performed by... No one enjoys getting a tooth filled, least of all having to pay for it. Composite fillings are a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. In fact, some can be just fine for 15 years or more. As a newer treatment in the dental industry, composite fillings are not as cost-effective as amalgam fillings. Even so, it’s not surprising that gold is also the most expensive option for filling a cavity. Although modern dentistry uses new techniques and more sophisticated tools and materials, the concept of filling cavities has not changed much over time. Dental amalgam fillings are more durable than resin composite fillings. Nowadays if you need a filling to treat a cavity, your local dentist is likely to recommend composite fillings. Tooth colored composite fillings have the shortest shelf life of other tooth filling materials, but still can last over a decade, especially with good care and regular checkups. The choice of instrument depends on the individual dentist's comfort level, training, and investment in the particular piece of equipment as well as location and extent of the decay. The dentist prepares the tooth with an etching material and bonding layer. If your dentist notices signs of bruxism, they may recommend you wear a night guard to prevent your teeth from becoming damaged. Other reasons for a filling replacement might only be noticed by the dentist during a checkup. Composite resin is a plastic filling material that can be matched to blend in with the tooth’s natural colour. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that builds up on teeth and starts to eat away at the enamel. Around the world, it’s estimated that 60-90% of children and nearly 100% of adults have tooth decay. What is the average lifespan of a dental filling, both amalgam and composite.. He recently retired from the  U.S. Navy Reserve after 26 years of service. While composite fillings work well, there are some disadvantages. However, further research will need to be done before dentists can claim that composite fillings last for over 10 years on average. 21 years experience Dentistry. Composite resin fillings have a longer treatment time, which adds to the cost. William M. Litaker Jr., DDS . The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling. 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