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Dental Filling Materials Explained: Composite vs. Amalgam – Which Is Best for Your Smile?



Need a dental filling or old fillings replaced?

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Bare Smiles Dental Boutique | Expert Dental Fillings in Essendon, Moonee Ponds & Melbourne


Choosing the best dental filling material for your dental filling procedure can feel confusing, especially when your dentist mentions options like composite, amalgam, or glass ionomer cement. At Bare Smiles Dental Boutique in Essendon, we believe in empowering our patients across Moonee Ponds, Strathmore, and Melbourne’s inner north-west with clear, professional advice tailored to your smile and lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of different dental filling materials, compare composite vs amalgam dental fillings, and help you decide what’s right for you based on aesthetics, durability, and function.


What Are Dental Filling Materials?

Dental filling materials are substances used in dental restoration procedures to restore teeth damaged by decay, cracks, or wear. They fill the cavity left after the decayed portion is removed, protecting the tooth and restoring its shape, strength, and function. The most common dental filling types include:


Each dental filling material has its strengths — your dental filling choice depends on the tooth’s location, appearance goals, longevity, budget, and personal preference.


Composite Fillings: Aesthetic & Modern

Composite dental fillings are made from a blend of tooth-coloured resin and fine glass particles. These tooth filling materials bond directly to the natural tooth structure and are virtually invisible once placed.


✅ Advantages of Composite Fillings

  • Matches natural tooth shade

  • Ideal for front teeth or visible areas

  • Bonds chemically to the tooth, preserving more structure

  • Suitable for small to medium cavities

  • Mercury-free

🚫 Limitations

  • May wear down faster than amalgam in large back restorations

  • Slightly more expensive than amalgam

  • Can stain over time from coffee, red wine, or smoking


At Bare Smiles Dental Boutique Essendon, we most often recommend composite dental fillings for patients seeking natural-looking dental filling results, especially for front teeth or midline restorations.


Amalgam Fillings: Strong & Durable

Amalgam dental fillings have been used in dental filling procedures for over 150 years. Made from a mix of silver, tin, copper, and mercury, they’re valued for strength and durability, particularly in back molars.


✅ Advantages of Amalgam Fillings

  • Extremely durable and long-lasting

  • Most affordable option

  • Less sensitive to moisture during placement

🚫 Limitations

  • Noticeable silver/grey appearance

  • Requires more tooth removal during prep

  • Contains mercury (safe, per ADA) but is less popular with patients

  • May expand slightly over time


These traditional dental fillings remain popular for dental filling durability, especially when function outweighs aesthetics.


Glass Ionomer Cement Fillings – Protective & Gentle

Glass ionomer dental fillings (GIC) are tooth-coloured cement-based materials often used for children, small cavities, or non-load-bearing areas. They release fluoride, helping protect against future decay.


✅ Pros:

  • Fluoride release helps prevent decay

  • Bonds chemically to enamel and dentine

  • Minimal preparation required

  • Often used in baby teeth or as interim restorations

🚫 Cons:

  • Less durable than composite or amalgam

  • Not ideal for high-chewing pressure zones

  • May chip or wear faster

At Bare Smiles Dental Essendon, we often recommend GIC dental fillings for kids, high decay-risk patients, or as temporary dental filling options.


Dental Filling Materials Comparison: Composite vs Amalgam vs Glass Ionomer

Feature

Composite Resin

Amalgam

Glass Ionomer Cement

Appearance

Tooth-coloured

Silver/Grey

Tooth-coloured (opaque)

Durability

5–10 years

10–15 years+

2–5 years (varies)

Best For

Front/visible teeth

Back molars

Non-load bearing areas, kids

Cost

Moderate

Most affordable

Affordable

Fluoride Release

No

No

Yes

Mercury Content

No

Yes (safe)

No

Bonding to Tooth

Excellent

Mechanical only

Chemical + mechanical

Popularity in Melbourne

Increasing

Declining

Common for specific cases

Which Dental Filling Material Is Best for Your Tooth?

There’s no single answer. The best dental filling material for your dental filling procedure depends on several factors:

  • Location of the cavity (front vs. back)

  • Aesthetic expectations

  • Budget and health fund coverage

  • Age and dental history

  • Risk of future decay

At Bare Smiles Dental Boutique, we’re here to guide you based on your case — helping you choose the best dental filling materials for your tooth and smile.

Dental Filling Recommendations:

  • For Front Teeth: Composite dental fillings are almost always the best choice for aesthetics.

  • For Back Molars: Composite or amalgam dental fillings can both work well, depending on stress load and budget.

  • For Children or Interim Needs: Glass ionomer dental fillings are a gentle, fluoride-releasing option.

Aftercare for Different Filling Types

Regardless of material, proper dental filling care ensures long-lasting results:

  • Avoid sticky/hard foods for 24 hours

  • Brush gently around the area

  • Mild sensitivity is normal for a few days

  • Return for check-ups to monitor wear

  • For GIC fillings: Avoid chewing on that side for 24 hours to allow full setting.


Book Your Dental Emergency or Filling Appointment today at Bare Smiles Dental Boutique.

For safe, long-lasting, and professional teeth whitening in Essendon and Melbourne, visit Bare Smiles Dental Boutique. We are experts in-chair and take-home whitening solutions tailored to your needs.

📍 Location: 144A Buckley Street, Essendon.

📞 Call: 9113 2200

Book your whitening appointment at Bare Smiles Dental Boutique today and enjoy a brighter, whiter smile that lasts! 😁✨

Click here for more info about your bare whitening experience and transform your smile OR call 9113 2200.

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