You have a Choice - on what materials go in your mouth

 You have a Choice!

Material	What is it made of?	Advantages	Disadvantages
Porcelain       or Ceramic	A mix of glass-like materials used for crowns (in decayed teeth), bridges, inlays and onlays.	- Look and feel like teeth - Long-lasting - No known toxic effects - No effects on environment - Allergic reactions are          extremely rare - Bonded directly to the tooth,     reducing the probability of     decay forming between   the tooth and the material	- Your dentist makes a mold of the crown for your     tooth which is sent to a lab to be made - Depending on your insurance, you may have to pay    some of the cost out of pocket - Very expensive
Glass Ionomer	A glass product that can be used for temporary fillings. It is also used as a cement for dental crowns. It is usually not used on the chewing surfaces of back teeth.	- Look and feel like teeth - No known toxic effects - Allergic reactions are    extremely rare - Bonded directly to the tooth,    reducing the probability of         decay forming between the    tooth and the material	- Not long-lasting - Not recommended for use on the chewing surfaces     of back teeth. - Depending on your insurance, you may have to pay     some of the cost out of pocket
Composite    or Resin	A mixture of plastic resin. These fillings are also called plastic or “white fillings.” It is used for fillings, inlays, veneers and for replacing parts of broken teeth. - Best Choice !!! but ask for BPA-free *	- Look and feel like teeth - May be used on either front or   back teeth - Placement in one visit - Long lasting - No known toxic effects - No effects on environment - Allergic reactions are     extremely rare - Bonded directly to the tooth,    reducing the probability of    decay forming between the    tooth and the material	- Compared to amalgam fillings, they require more     expertise to place - Depending on your insurance, you may have to     pay some of the cost out of pocket - A chemical called Bisphenol A can be released    from composite fillings. This chemical has    hormone-like activity. Current studies cannot tell      if this is a health problem. No government has    recommended limits on its use.
Amalgam     or ‘Silver’	A mixture of mercury, silver, copper and tin. 40 to 70% is mercury. They are sometimes called “silver fillings” because of their silver color when they are first placed. Usually used on back teeth. - Worst Choice !!!	- Long-lasting - Placement in one visit - Usually covered entirely by    insurance (cheapest)	- Give off toxic mercury vapor. Mercury mixes with     the saliva and bacteria in your mouth to form     toxic methylmercury. Mercury enters your brain     and body where it accumulates. Some studies     show a connection between amalgam and   disease It is confirmed that mercury from     amalgam causes defects and developmental    problems in unborn, new born and young      children.  Most of Europe has banned or no longer    uses amalgam and the FDA recommends    limiting their use in pregnant or lactating women     and children under 6. - Mercury used in these fillings can add to the     mercury pollution problem (ends up in the food     chain). - Amalgam has a silver color that turns black over     time. - Placed over a cavity rather than bonded to the     tooth (greater risk of decay). -  Produce electrical currents which can cause      neurological damage
Gold      Or Gold Alloy	A mix of gold and other metals such as silver and copper used for crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays.	- Extremely long lasting - May have porcelain fused to     the outside surface to make     it look like your tooth - No known toxic effects - No effects on environment	- 2 dental visits are required. - Costs more than all other materials. - Fillings are gold in color if not covered with     porcelain. - You will have to pay some of the cost out of pocket -  Produce electrical currents which can cause      neurological damage

* BPA stands for bisphenol A. It is used to make plastics such as water bottles and some composites. Some research has shown that BPA can seep into food or beverages from containers that are made with BPA. Manufacturers are creating more and more BPA-free products. Make sure your dentist uses BPA-free composites.

Teresa Franklin, Ph.D.              teresafr55@gmail.com          Blog: mercury4dummies.blogspot.com