Composite Fillings Tooth colored fillings are made of a mixture of fine particles of glass and plastic. They are personalized to match your nail polish and blend when you smile. Although they are not made of metal, they are durable. They usually last 10 to 12 years before they need to be replaced.
Fillings typically last around 10 years. Many restorations (the clinical term for dental fillings) last much longer. More recent studies are finding that white composite fillings are starting to catch up with amalgam, and some studies find composite fillings that can last up to 12 years if properly cared for. However, more research will need to be done before dentists can claim that composite fillings last more than 10 years on average.
Porcelain fillings are a strong choice among dental filling materials. They can last up to 15 years. Glass ionomer fillings are generally used for cavities just below the gum line because they are not strong enough to last on the part of the teeth that patients use to chew. They can still last up to about 15 years.
While older silver fillings are less popular today because of their appearance, they are robust and durable. Silver amalgam fillings have been used in the United States for more than 150 years and are resistant to deterioration from chewing, making them suitable for molars. However, even the strongest materials deteriorate over time and silver fillings can withstand constant use for approximately 10 to 15 years. During a routine dental checkup, the dentist will check the tooth to determine when to change fillings.
