Dental fillings are one of the most frequently performed restorative treatments. Fillings are ubiquitous because the treatment is affordable, versatile, and highly effective at restoring teeth following cavity removal. 

White Fillings vs. Silver Fillings 

White Fillings

White fillings can also be called dental composite and they are the tooth-colored resins used to fill cavities. This composite resin is made of a blend of plastics and fillers such as silica and dimethylglyoxime which bond with the tooth’s surface.

Pros:

• White fillings are appealing especially because they are the same colour as the teeth and therefor basically unnoticeable.

• Since they attach right to the tooth, patients with a broken tooth can receive a white filling to restore the tooth’s shape, which may not be an option with silver fillings.

Silver Fillings

Silver-colored fillings can also be called dental amalgams and are made of a combination of metals that can include silver, tin, copper and mercury.

Cons:

• Silver fillings are often considered to be less attractive. Over time, they can also cause the part of the tooth surrounding the filling to turn dull and grey.

• Concerns have been raised over the fact that there is mercury in fillings, and people worry that it can get into the bloodstream. While studies have shown that there is no risk to your health and that people already have an accumulation of heavy metals in their system from environmental factors, patients can still be concerned.