When your dentist says you need a filling, you usually have a choice between two primary materials: amalgam (silver) and composite (tooth-colored). Each has a long track record of success, but they differ in ways that matter depending on the tooth, the cavity, and your personal preferences.
How They Compare
Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings
Composite fillings are made of a resin-based material that can be precisely color-matched to your natural tooth. They bond directly to the tooth structure, which can actually strengthen the tooth.
Pros: Natural appearance, bonds to tooth, preserves more natural tooth structure, no mercury.
Cons: Shorter lifespan (5-10 years vs. 10-15), can chip or stain over time, costs more.
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
Amalgam is a mixture of metals including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. It has been used in dentistry for over 150 years and is known for exceptional durability.
Pros: Extremely durable, less expensive, lasts 10-15 years or longer.
Cons: Dark silver color is visible, does not bond to tooth (removes more healthy tooth), contains mercury (ADA confirms safe for most patients).
Which One Costs More?
Composite fillings typically cost two to three times more than amalgam. Many dental insurance plans cover amalgam fully but only partially cover composites.
Which Should You Choose?
The best choice depends on the tooth’s location, cavity size, and your preferences. For visible teeth, composite is almost always preferred. For large cavities in back molars, amalgam’s durability may win. Your Elk Grove dentist can walk you through the trade-offs.