There are many types of pain, but toothache is the most unpleasant. It delivers unbearable torments to a person and does not allow him to sleep at night. Therefore, as soon as dentalgia appears, you must immediately go to the dentist. If treatment is started in a timely manner, the tooth can be saved by filling. Today, for the manufacture of seals using a variety of materials that differ from each other in their characteristics. Some fillings in the clinic are free of charge, while others have to fork out. But are the differences so critical and do they really justify the costs? To answer this question, let's try to figure out how a paid seal differs from a free one. We will also find out which modern materials are considered the best in dental practice.
Seal classification
Let's dwell on this in more detail. Having come to the doctor’s appointment, people are interested in what exactly they will do. In the absence of serious diseases of the oral cavity, the most optimal treatment program is selected. If the integrity of the tooth is compromised, the doctor eliminates the defects of the bone tissue. Here the question arises as to which seal is better - paid or free. To understand this, you need to have an idea of what they are. The classification of seals is as follows:
- temporary;
- cement;
- composite;
- compomer;
- amalgam.
Let's take a closer look at each of them in order to better understand how a paid seal differs from a free one. The following information will help you make the right choice.
Temporary fillings
So what do you need to know about them? Their main purpose is to temporarily block the channel for the period of therapy. To combat many diseases, patients put cotton swabs on their teeth, which are closed with temporary fillings. They are made using cheap materials with low strength so that they can be quickly and easily removed. It contains safe ingredients that do not cause any problems if swallowed.
Cement fillings
Used in dentistry for a long period of time. The material has good stickiness and optimal chemical properties. However, there are also disadvantages. Over time, the cement mixture will wear out, so it will need to be replaced. It is because of this minus that many people think about whether to put a paid or free seal. And this is not surprising, because who wants to go to the dentist again.
In public hospitals they treat people for free, so when using fillings they use ordinary cement compositions. But in private clinics today, additional components are added to their composition that increase strength and durability. Depending on the additives used, cement seals are divided into the following types:
- silicate;
- phosphate;
- glass ionomer.
What is the difference between a paid and a free seal? The former are more durable and durable, and also do not wear so much. Therefore, it is preferable not to save, but to install them.
Composite fillings
What are they and what is their feature? They are made of modern polymeric materials with high strength. However, compared with cement, they have a shorter service life - only 5 years. Composite fillings, depending on their composition, are divided into the following types:
- acrylic oxide;
- epoxy;
- light curing.
Composite materials have appeared relatively recently, but today they are widely used in dentistry. If you are limited in financial resources and are considering whether to place a seal - paid or free, then a composite one will be an ideal option. It has many advantages and is relatively inexpensive.
Compomer fillings
For their manufacture, glass-based and polymeric materials are used, so they combine excellent characteristics, high strength and aesthetics. However, there is one drawback that is characteristic of all modern types of fillings, namely, low durability. The average life is 5 years, after which their replacement is required. It is worth noting that compomer materials are used to treat incisors and fangs, since these groups of teeth have the least physical activity.
How is a paid seal different from a free one? The first contains various additives and additional components that provide better polymerization. Thanks to this, the mixture is more homogeneous and does not have air bubbles, and also freezes much better.
Amalgam fillings
So what is their feature? They have been used to repair damaged teeth for almost two centuries. They differ from their counterparts in high durability, low cost, affordability and the ability to install in one session. But for the quality had to pay unaesthetic. Over time, the material darkens, and can also crack with sudden changes in temperature. Today they are practically never used anywhere, but at the request of the patient, the doctor can make an exception and put an amalgam seal. Some people, mostly representatives of the older generation, prefer it, since the average life of the material is 20 years.
What seals are placed for free?
Above, we examined the main varieties of materials used in dentistry to restore partially or completely damaged teeth. But surely, many will have a question about whether a dental filling is put on a tooth - paid or free. The legislation now provides for the provision of minimal medical assistance to citizens, therefore, alas, there can be no talk of any high-quality materials. In the vast majority of cases, the simple cement mixtures mentioned above are used for filling, since they have good characteristics, high strength and low cost. However, many people, having previously familiarized themselves with the relevant information, do not want to place free fillings, motivating their refusal by adding toxic substances to the solution that increase the level of adhesion. Paid fillings are better in this regard. They are environmentally friendly and safe. But these are not their only advantages. This will be discussed in more detail below.
Comparison of paid and free fillings
Let's dwell on this aspect in more detail. Nowadays, the variety of materials used in dental practice to treat various diseases is simply huge, so it is very difficult to choose the best. To simplify the task, let's figure out how a paid seal differs from a free one, in addition to, in fact, the price.
The difference is quite simple, and it is in quality. After all, as everyone knows, it costs money. For the manufacture of paid seals using modern high-quality materials with a long service life. In addition, they do not create any discomfort in the mouth and do not change their color over time. Free ones gradually wear out and, sometimes, fall out with food.
Differences also apply to quality of service. As practice shows, paid clinic employees are more attentive and friendly to patients. The staff is made up of true professionals with a high level of qualification. In public hospitals, the situation often leaves much to be desired. They use cheap materials, and equipment, as a rule, is morally and technically outdated. To make fillings, cheap toxic mixtures are used, which can subsequently lead to the development of various oral health problems.
What are the differences between a paid seal and a free one?
Today, there are many different methods for restoring the integrity of a partially or completely destroyed tooth. As mentioned above, the difference between paid and free fillings is the quality of the materials used. The advent of modern polymers has brought the development of dentistry to a whole new level. Thanks to them, purchased fillings surpass social ones in a number of criteria. Among the main ones, the following can be distinguished:
- aesthetics;
- environmental friendliness and safety;
- high strength;
- the ability to perfectly simulate a tooth;
- quick and easy installation;
- insolubility;
- resistance to abrasion and polymer shrinkage;
- quick hardening;
- preservation of color for a long time.
Thus, taking into account all of the above, the conclusion about which seal is better to put, suggests itself. Paid, undoubtedly, surpass free on all criteria.
Issue price
Many people are interested in how much it costs to fill a tooth in a private clinic. It is rather difficult to answer unequivocally, since everything here depends on the volume of work performed, the material used, the pricing policy of dentistry and a specific region. In our country, on average, you will have to pay 5-6 thousand rubles for dental treatment, provided that the seal is made of composite mixtures with excellent performance characteristics.
Dentists Opinion
Which is better - paid or free fillings? Doctors know the answer to this question best. All as one respond positively to paid and recommend to put them in the treatment of teeth. And the matter is not only in financial interest: composite materials allow you to maintain the functionality of the teeth and perfectly simulate them. Fillings resemble teeth in their shape and appearance, so people don’t even feel their presence. In addition, there are no toxic substances in them, so that the risk of re-development of caries is minimal. As for the free ones, dentists say that you can only put them in the last resort, when there is simply no other choice. They are short-lived, unaesthetic and can cause inconvenience. And of course, this option is better than not going to the doctor at all.
Conclusion
So, in this article we examined in detail what is the difference between a paid seal and a free one. Previously, the cost of materials was quite high, so not everyone could afford the treatment. But with the advent of polymer and composite mixtures, the situation has changed. Yes, and saving on your health is impractical. Having lost a tooth, it will not be possible to return it. And with timely treatment using high-quality fillings, you can save it for several decades. Therefore, decide for yourself whether it is worth it or not.