Let’s be honest, nobody loves hearing they need a filling. But if you do need one, there’s actually some good news: you’ve got choices these days.
Gone are the days when silver was your only option. Now you can choose between tooth-coloured fillings (also called composite fillings) and the traditional silver ones (amalgam). Both have their place, and both work well, but they’re quite different.
At Najmi Dental, this is one of the most common questions we get asked. People want to know which type is better, how they compare, and what’s right for their situation. So let’s break it down and help you figure out which filling might suit you best.
Tooth-Coloured Fillings: Pros and Cons
What they are: Made from plastic resin mixed with tiny glass particles. We can match the shade to your natural teeth.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Look natural, nobody notices them |
Don’t last as long (7 to 10 years) |
|
Less drilling needed |
Cost more |
|
Bond directly to your tooth |
Take longer to place |
|
No temperature expansion issues |
Can stain over time with coffee/wine |
| Mercury-free |
Traditional Silver Fillings: Pros and Cons
What they are: A blend of metals (about 50% mercury, mixed with silver, tin, and copper). Been around for 150+ years.
| Pros |
Cons |
| Very durable (10 to 15+ years) |
Really obvious silver colour |
| Strong, great for back teeth | Need more tooth removed |
| More affordable |
Don’t bond to tooth |
|
Quick to place |
Expand/contract with temperature |
| Proven track record |
Contains mercury |
Appearance
Tooth-coloured fillings match your teeth. Silver ones are obvious. Even back teeth show when you laugh or yawn. It’s really about what matters to you.
Tooth Structure
Tooth-coloured fillings need less drilling. Because composite sticks directly to your tooth, we can leave more of the healthy stuff alone. With silver fillings, we need to create a specific shape to hold the filling in, which means removing more teeth.
How They Stay in Place
Tooth-coloured fillings stick to your tooth through a chemical bond. This creates a proper seal. Silver fillings rely on the shape of the cavity to hold them in. There’s no bonding. Over time, tiny gaps can form around the edges.
Temperature Effects
Metal expands with heat and contracts with cold. Do this enough times over the years, and you might end up with tiny cracks or sensitivity. Composite fillings stay stable regardless of temperature.
Lifespan
The lifespan of traditional dental fillings is usually longer (10 to 15+ years) as compared to Tooth-coloured fillings that typically last 7 to 10 years. The location matters, though. Back teeth that do all the hard chewing might wear down the composite faster.
The Placement Process
Tooth-coloured fillings take longer. We put the composite on in thin layers, using a blue light to harden each one. Silver fillings are quicker. We pack the material in, shape it, and you’re done.
Cost
Tooth-coloured fillings cost more. The materials aren’t cheap, and they take more time to place.
We’ve got payment options to help:
- Afterpay
- Humm plans from $40/month
- Interest-free options up to 24 months
- Bulk billing for eligible kids
- DVA and government vouchers accepted
Check what your health fund covers too. More insurers are covering tooth-coloured fillings now.
Safety
Both types are safe. The mercury question comes up a lot with silver fillings. Yes, amalgam contains about 50% mercury, but it’s mixed with other metals and locked in. Health organisations worldwide, including the Australian Dental Association, say it’s safe. The mercury vapour released is way below any harmful level.
If you’d rather avoid mercury, tooth-coloured fillings are mercury-free.
Which One Should You Get?
It depends on your situation. Here’s what we think about:
Location: Front teeth look better with tooth-coloured. Back teeth can go either way.
Size: Small cavities do well with composite. Big back tooth cavities might need the extra strength of silver.
Budget: Silver is cheaper upfront. But composite preserves more tooth, which might save you money later.
Preferences: Want invisible fillings? Go composite. Want maximum durability? Silver might be better. Prefer mercury-free? Choose composite.
For kids: Most children’s dentists recommend tooth-coloured fillings for children. They’re mercury-free and preserve more of the natural tooth, which is important for growing teeth.
We’ll look at your specific situation and help you decide what makes sense.
Looking After Your Filling
Both types need the same care:
- Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste (this prevents decay around the filling edges)
- Don’t chew ice or hard objects
- See us every six months for check-ups
- If you grind your teeth, ask about a night guard
With composite fillings, go easy on coffee and red wine to avoid staining.
Look after your teeth and your filling should last for years. If a filling fails or the decay is too large, you might need a dental crown instead of a replacement filling.
The Bottom Line
Both fillings work well in the right situations. Tooth-coloured fillings look natural and preserve more tooth. Silver fillings last longer and cost less.
The main thing? Don’t ignore a cavity. Getting it fixed early means a smaller filling, less cost, and less hassle.
