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Gold vs. Porcelain Fillings

While patients have several options when choosing a filling material for their teeth, gold and porcelain remain the most popular used by dentists today. Durability and ease of application are the primary reasons for their popularity, but there are other factors a patient must consider when making a final choice. In that regard, it is important to educate yourself on the differences between the two materials to enable you and your dentist to arrive at decision that is best suited to your individual needs.

  1. Cost

    • Affordability is often the first concern when choosing a material for a filling. While porcelain and gold are the two most costly materials used by dentists, porcelain fillings are traditionally less expensive when compared to gold and are easier to apply. In contrast, gold as a precious metal is a more expensive material than porcelain. As a natural mineral, gold also requires greater expertise on the part of the dentist to prevent damage to the delicate pulp. This results in more office visits, which will ultimately add even more to the cost.

    Wear Rate

    • Few materials rival gold when it comes to durability, with some gold fillings lasting as long as 15 years or more. Porcelain fillings usually require replacement within five to seven years. The most important factor affecting the time parameter is the size of the cavity. Larger fillings tend to have greater exposure, increasing the likelihood that they will eventually loosen enough to create a gap between the tooth and the filling, leaving the pulp vulnerable to bacteria.

    Cosmetics

    • Porcelain is by far the most popular material when considering appearance. Significantly harder than gold, porcelain resists staining and can be matched perfectly to the color of your existing teeth. Porcelain also mimics the translucent nature of natural teeth, making some replacements nearly imperceptible. Ultimately, visibility and the location of the tooth being filled will be a major factor when choosing between gold and porcelain. Veneering of porcelain over gold may also be an option for those concerned with appearance.

    Additional Considerations

    • One of the most important secondary considerations when choosing between gold and porcelain fillings is the effect on your existing teeth. Porcelain is as much as 16 times harder than tooth enamel, which frequently results in significant wear on teeth the filling makes contact with. Porcelain fillings may also shrink as much as 20 percent more than gold and are more susceptible to chipping. Gold fillings generally have tighter fit and are hypoallergenic, which makes them best suited for patients with allergic sensitivity.

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