The most commonly used material for
back teeth. It contains approximately 50% mercury, and varying amounts
of silver (30%), tin, zinc, and copper. It is the least costly and
least time consuming to perform. It does not hold its shape over time,
corrodes easily, and is expected to last 5-10 years, although I have
seen it last significantly longer. The controversy is that it contains
mercury, a known neurotoxin (poison to the nervous system).
Galloy
A brand new material containing
silver, tin, copper, indium, and gallium, meant to be mercury-free
alternative to amalgam. Question: Why
is the American Dental Association developing & patenting this
substitute for mercury amalgam if mercury amalgam is safe?
Direct Composite
A special plastic material that bonds
to tooth structure, is tooth colored, is more easily repairable, and
requires less tooth structure to be trimmed away than any other
material. It is expected to last 5-7 years, although small to moderate
size fillings may last longer. Research has shown that it reinforces
the tooth and makes it stronger. Cost and time to perform is about
50-75% more than amalgam. Caution:
Composites are a petrochemical derivative and, as such, are a possible
problem for the environmentally sensitive.
Indirect Composite Inlay/Onlay
Used when ideal anatomy, fit, and
durability is desired, which is seldom achieved with a direct
composite filling. Cost is approximately 2-3 times that of an amalgam
filling and takes 2 visits.
Porcelain Inlay/Onlay
Used when cosmetics and wear
resistance is most important. It costs about the same as an indirect
composite inlay/onlay and takes 2 visits. The controversy is that it
contains aluminum. However, if the half-life for dissolution/corrosion
is very long (e.g. 500 years), the content like aluminum may not make
a difference.
Gold Inlay/Onlay
Used when maximum strength is desired
and appearance is not a factor. There are many formulations of gold,
varying from 1% to 99%. It costs approximately 3-4 times more than an
amalgam and takes 2 visits.
Titanium Inlay/Onlay
Used when a gold alloy is not
biocompatible, otherwise the benefits, cost, and time to perform are
the same as for a gold alloy, even though it is not a precious metal.
It takes 2 visits.
Many thanks to Ron King,
DDS, Minneapolis, MN
Alternative dental care should be an adjunct to, not a substitute for,
contemporary dental care. Should you require further information
or have questions regarding the topics discussed, please feel free to
contact me at the phone number above.
