Ceramics compared to plastic filling | Tooth filling with plastic

Ceramics compared to plastic filling

In principle, there are no ceramic fillings, since ceramic is a rigid material that must always be fired in the kiln at very high temperatures or cut out of a prefabricated block (CAD/CAM technology). These are ceramic inlays, i.e. inlay fillings that are made by the dental technician in the laboratory and then inserted by the dentist. The patient has to visit the dentist at least twice until the ceramic inlay is fixed in the tooth.

Ceramic has the advantage that it can stabilize the tooth as an inlay filling. It is very stable and the color can be perfectly matched to the individual tooth color. Such a ceramic inlay filling is used when the defect in the tooth is very large.

Ceramic provides a bad hold for bacteria, so it does not discolor with time but actually keeps the same color for the rest of its life in the mouth. However, this requires good oral hygiene, which includes the regular use of dental floss. The disadvantages of a ceramic inlay are the much higher cost compared to a plastic filling (about 600€), the longer waiting time and that it cannot be repaired.

In addition, a ceramic inlay filling that is only slightly too high leads to wear and tear of the tooth compared to the other jaw, because ceramic is much harder than the enamel. Jaw joint problems are then the result.