Fillings are one of the most common dental procedures, and there are several materials available to create them. Gold fillings used to be the most popular option, but composite fillings, which are made from synthetic resin, are now preferred by most patients.

Here are just five reasons why people tend to prefer composite fillings over gold fillings.

1. More Natural Appearance

One of the major reasons people started swapping over from gold fillings to composite is that composite fillings look far more natural. While some people like the look of gold fillings, they certainly don't blend in with the rest of your teeth. Even when placed at the back of the mouth, gold fillings stand out. In contrast, composite fillings so closely mimic the appearance of your teeth that it will be impossible for anyone to spot them.

2. Lower Cost

It's always worth taking costs into account when you're looking at filling materials, and you're going to find that gold fillings are significantly more expensive than composite fillings. This will be particularly important if you need larger fillings or several fillings, especially since gold fillings are unlikely to be covered by your dental insurance.

3. Less Conductive

One of the major drawbacks of gold fillings is that they are very good at conducting hot and cold temperatures. Since temperatures are conducted so quickly and efficiently, patients with gold fillings may experience increased sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink. This may subside as time passes, but those who already suffer from sensitive teeth will be better off opting for composite fillings since they don't conduct high or low temperatures as easily.

4. Less Reactive

As well as being more conductive when it comes to hot and cold temperatures, gold fillings can also be more reactive. This isn't something that is going to affect everyone, but some patients will find they have metal sensitivities that can be aggravated by the presence of gold fillings. Testing is available to check for such sensitivities, but many people prefer to avoid the risk entirely by opting for composite fillings.

5. Not Prone to Micro-Gaps

Gold teeth are known for their durability, and yet they can also suffer from problems that you won't experience with composite fillings. For example, the way gold fillings are cast and placed means that very small gaps, known as micro-gaps, can be left right where your tooth meets the filling. This can be an issue since these areas will be hard to clean and therefore more vulnerable to decay. With composite fillings, micro-gaps won't be an issue.

Contact a dentist to learn more.