Pros and Cons of Metal Vs. White Fillings

In our office, we only offer white fillings because we feel the aesthetics of the white fillings outweigh its downfalls.

However, a lot of insurances only cover silver or metal fillings. As your Pediatric Dentist, we feel it’s important to discuss the pros and cons of each, so the parent can make an informed decision on whether they want to get treatment done with us or find another dentist that offers what their insurance pays.

Composite or White Fillings

Pros:

1. Aesthetics- looks just like the tooth and can’t tell your child has had cavities in the past
2. More conservative- can remove less tooth structure

Cons:

1. Need perfect isolation to bond to the tooth (no saliva in the area)
2. Must be replaced every 5-10 years (less important in baby teeth)

Amalgam or Metal or Silver Fillings

Pros:

1. Lasts long (less important in baby teeth)
2. Works best in behavior management patients (saliva can contaminate the area and still work)
3. Economically more accessible

Cons:

1. Expands and contracts with temperature change which can crack the teeth
2. Must remove healthy tooth structure to get a mechanical lock to stay in the tooth
3. Contains mercury

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