If you have a cavity, a filling restores the tooth and stops decay from spreading. For decades, silver amalgam was the standard material. Today, most patients choose tooth-colored fillings made from composite resin. Here is how the two compare so you can make an informed choice.
What are tooth-colored fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings are made from composite resin, a mix of plastic and fine glass particles. The material is shaded to match your natural tooth, placed in layers, and hardened with a curing light. Because it bonds directly to the tooth, it can support the remaining tooth structure.
What are silver fillings?
Silver fillings, also called amalgam, are a blend of metals including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. They are durable and have been used for well over a century. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued guidance recommending that certain higher-risk groups, such as pregnant women and young children, avoid new amalgam fillings when appropriate alternatives exist.
Comparing your options
- Appearance: Composite blends in. Amalgam is clearly visible and can darken over time.
- Tooth preservation: Composite usually requires removing less healthy tooth structure.
- Durability: Amalgam can last 10 to 15 years or more. Modern composites commonly last 7 to 10 years or longer with good care.
- Temperature sensitivity: Metal expands and contracts with hot and cold, which can contribute to cracks over time.
- Cost: Composite fillings may cost somewhat more, and coverage varies by insurance plan.
Should you replace old silver fillings?
Not automatically. If an amalgam filling is intact and the tooth is healthy, removing it can cause unnecessary loss of tooth structure. We recommend replacing old fillings when they are cracked, leaking, or have decay underneath, or when you want to improve the appearance of a visible tooth.
Catching cavities early
The smaller the cavity, the smaller and longer-lasting the filling. Regular checkups and X-rays help find decay before it causes pain. Learn more about cavities from the American Dental Association at MouthHealthy.org.
Tooth-colored fillings FAQs
Are tooth-colored fillings as strong as silver fillings?
Modern composite materials are strong enough for most cavities. For very large repairs on back teeth, a crown or onlay may be recommended instead of tooth-colored fillings.
Can I eat right after getting tooth-colored fillings?
Yes. Composite is hardened with a curing light during your visit, so tooth-colored fillings are set before you leave. Just wait for numbness to wear off so you do not bite your cheek.
Fillings near Elkhart and South Bend
Michiana Family Dental offers natural-looking tooth-colored fillings at 3575 Portage Ave, Suite A, South Bend, IN. We welcome families from Elkhart, Mishawaka, Granger, and across Elkhart and St. Joseph counties. Explore our restorative dentistry services or call (574) 347-3333.