The traditional filling material is a silver amalgam. Amalgam fillings have been around for many years and are very durable. White fillings (composite) are a composite of resin filled with glass particles. Both materials are very strong and acceptable materials for a filling. The main differences between the two types of fillings are that the composite filling matches the tooth color and costs a little more. The cost is attributed to the greater cost of the material and the time it takes to place a composite versus an Amalgam filling.

Some dentists prefer amalgam fillings over composites, which are made up of tooth-colored resin and powder glass. Amalgam, while not metal, is still aesthetically similar to actual teeth. However, silver-colored amalgams are more susceptible to staining. For better brilliance, composites are typically used. Even though the procedure takes longer than it would for an amalgam filling, composites are impervious to temperature change or staining.

We’ve been using silver amalgam as our filling material for years. Silver amalgam has been a time-tested solution to fill cavities, and it provides a durable alternative to white fillings. Silver amalgam is less expensive than white fillings, but it’s not as aesthetically pleasing. The biggest difference between the two materials is aesthetics: silver amalgam combines two types of metals that aren’t as matching in color to your natural tooth color.

Many patients choose to get amalgam fillings because they are affordable and attractive. Amalgam is a silver and mercury compound, and while it’s proven to be an effective way to restore teeth in many cases, there are some who avoid it due to the mercury content.

Your smile is one of the most important assets you have. It’s an asset that gives you confidence and helps you make new friends. But what does it mean for your smile to be healthy? When someone smiles, their teeth are revealed, so being healthy means having strong, attractive teeth. But how are strong, healthy teeth achieved? The key is to have a balanced mouth environment with minimal plaque buildup.