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I was wondering if anyone could tell me about their dental experiences. I was wondering if it is normal to pay exorbitant fees for the following:
My dentist says that I must use the white filling because the siver fillings are not good enough. The problem is that my insurance does not pay for the white, but my insurance will pay for the silver. I wonder if it worth it to pay a lot of money for white fillings because it will last longer?
Do you use silver fillings? Do you pay for dental work or is everything covered by insurance?
I am not sure what to do for one reason: I know that if someone goes to a “CHEAP” dentist in the long run they might end up paying more if their teeth are messed up????
Please reply with advice and your experiences but do not need advice from people who have good genes and hardly get cavities!!
White porcelain fillings are considered “Cosmetic” by the insurance. They won’t pay for it when it’s cheaper to use the silver amalgam. Dental insurance carriers are notorious cheapskates and pay for very little. But if you have very visible fillings, it might be worth it to you to work out a payment plan for the white fillings.
White porcelain fillings are considered “Cosmetic” by the insurance. They won’t pay for it when it’s cheaper to use the silver amalgam. Dental insurance carriers are notorious cheapskates and pay for very little. But if you have very visible fillings, it might be worth it to you to work out a payment plan for the white fillings.
oomis is right, I just wanted to add a point. Although the white looks much better, if you have a tendency to clench your teeth tightly get the silver fillings. White fillings can fall out from biting too hard.
Amalgam (silver) fillings last considerably longer than composite (white) fillings. Amalgam fillings can last 30 or more years whereas composite fillings usually need to be redone approximately every 10-20 years.
Composite fillings are done primarily for two reasons:
1. Esthetics
2. They mechanically bond to tooth structure so the cavity preparation can often be more conservative (smaller).
Composite fillings are extremely technique sensitive, meaning that the dentist must keep the area completely dry, if even a little moisture gets on the filling it will severely compromise the longevity.
In summary, in most cases amalgam (silver) would be the preferred restorative material as they are stronger and last longer and are recommended for people who have high cavity risk.
From what you are telling us it seems like silver fillings would be a good option for you, maybe try to find out more specifically why your dentist recommends white fillings in your case.
Speak to another dentist for a second opinion. Hatzlacha rabbah.
Some dentists don’t place silver fillings at all, maybe your dentist is one of them and that’s why he’s telling you you can’t get silver fillings.
The only time a silver filling wouldn’t last as long is if the cavity preparation isn’t deep enough or retentive enough, but this usually is not the case. If I were you I would probably consult with a second dentist. (I would opt for silver fillings for myself over white fillings).
White’s are for cosmetic purposes. Silver last longer. Maybe your dentist wants to make more money, or you misunderstood him. Unfortunately it is not uncommon to find dentists who lie about what’s going on in your mouth. Get a second opinion.
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