Which Filling Is Best for Teeth?
Choosing the right dental filling isn't exactly something most people plan for. It usually happens after a sudden toothache or a routine check-up that turns into a treatment discussion. You’re sitting there with your mouth slightly numb, trying to absorb terms like "composite resin," "amalgam," "inlay," or "ceramic." It’s a bit much, honestly. So, if you’ve ever found yourself wondering which filling is actually best, you’re not alone.
But the answer? Well, it’s not that straightforward.
Let’s get into it.
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What Are Dental Fillings, Anyway?
In simple terms, fillings are materials used to restore the function and integrity of a decayed or damaged tooth. Once a cavity is cleaned out or a broken section removed, something has to take its place. That's where the filling comes in.
Different types of materials have different properties. Some last longer. Others look more natural. A few are easier on the wallet. But no one option checks every single box.
Which makes the decision a little trickier.
The Main Types of Fillings: A Quick Overview
Let’s break it down into categories most dentists will offer or talk about:
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Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
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Composite Resin (Tooth-Colored) Fillings
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Ceramic (Porcelain) Fillings
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Gold Fillings
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Glass Ionomer Fillings
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Resin Ionomer Fillings
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Temporary Fillings
Each of these has its own pros and cons. Your choice will probably depend on where the cavity is, your budget, and how much you care about aesthetics versus durability.
Let’s walk through them one by one.
Amalgam Fillings
These have been around for over 150 years, which is pretty remarkable if you think about it. They’re made of a combination of metals, mainly mercury mixed with silver, tin, and copper.
Now, mercury in your mouth might sound… alarming. That part still sparks debate, to be fair. But the general consensus in most dental communities is that amalgam is safe. Still, some people feel uneasy about it, and that’s understandable.
Pros:
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Durable — often lasts 10-15 years, sometimes even longer.
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Strong enough for chewing surfaces, like molars.
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Relatively inexpensive.
Cons:
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Very noticeable. It’s silver, after all.
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Can expand and contract with temperature changes, which might contribute to cracks over time.
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Removal and placement can take off more tooth structure than necessary.
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Not ideal if you’re aiming for a more natural look.
Would I choose this for a front tooth? Probably not. But for a back molar? It’s a practical choice if you're prioritizing strength and cost.
Composite Resin Fillings
These are the tooth-colored ones everyone talks about nowadays. They’ve come a long way in the past few decades and are much more durable than they used to be.
They’re made from a mix of plastic and fine glass particles and are bonded directly to the tooth, which means less drilling is needed compared to amalgam.
Pros:
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Blends in naturally with your tooth color.
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Bonds well to the tooth, preserving more of your natural structure.
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Versatile — can also be used to fix chipped or worn teeth.
Cons:
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Not quite as long-lasting as amalgam — maybe around 7-10 years, though newer versions might stretch that.
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Can wear down over time, especially on heavy chewing surfaces.
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May cost more than amalgam, depending on where you live and your dentist.
Still, if you’re someone who winces at the thought of a silver spot flashing when you talk or laugh, this is likely your go-to.
Ceramic Fillings
Also known as porcelain fillings, these are typically made in a lab and then cemented onto your tooth. Some dentists use CAD/CAM technology to make these in-house, so you can get them in a single visit.
They look great — really natural — and resist staining better than composite resin.
Pros:
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Extremely durable and aesthetically pleasing.
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Stain-resistant.
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Biocompatible.
Cons:
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More expensive.
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Requires more of the tooth to be removed.
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Can be brittle in thinner sections.
These are often used for inlays or onlays — situations where a regular filling wouldn’t quite do the job, but a full crown is a bit too much.
Gold Fillings
Yes, gold. Some people still go for this. Not as common now, but gold has some interesting benefits.
Pros:
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Incredibly durable. Some gold restorations last over 20 years.
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Doesn’t corrode.
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Gentle on opposing teeth.
Cons:
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Costly. Very.
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Quite visible.
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Takes multiple visits (usually).
If you don’t mind a bit of bling in your bite and you’re looking for long-term performance, gold’s still worth considering.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
These are often used for kids or non-load-bearing areas. They’re made from acrylic and a type of glass called fluor-aluminosilicate. The cool part? They release fluoride, which helps protect the tooth.
Pros:
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Fluoride release.
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Bonds chemically to tooth structure.
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Good for small cavities near the gum line.
Cons:
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Not very durable.
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Doesn’t match tooth color perfectly.
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More prone to wear.
Great for baby teeth or in situations where aesthetics isn’t the priority.
Resin Ionomer Fillings
These are a bit like an upgraded version of glass ionomer, with added resin for better strength.
Pros:
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Fluoride release plus better wear resistance.
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Works well for non-chewing surfaces.
Cons:
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Still not as strong as composite.
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Slightly more brittle.
Used in similar situations as glass ionomer — typically not a front-line choice, but useful in the right scenario.
Temporary Fillings
These aren’t meant to last long — maybe a few weeks. Your dentist might place one after a root canal, or while waiting for a permanent filling or crown.
Nothing to weigh here; if you’ve got one, it’s probably just until the next step.
So… Which Filling Is the Best?
Here’s where it gets subjective.
If we’re talking purely about durability and long-term performance, gold and ceramic win. But they’re expensive.
If you care about looks and want something more budget-friendly, composite resin is probably your best bet.
For back molars where function is key, amalgam might still hold its own — especially if cost is a concern.
And in pediatric cases or certain niches, glass ionomer makes a quiet but meaningful contribution.
Real-Life Factors That Influence the Best Choice
Sometimes, it’s not about what’s best on paper — it’s about what’s best for you. Here are a few things that can tip the scales:
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Where the filling is located. Front teeth? Aesthetics matter. Back molars? Strength might take priority.
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How big the cavity is. Larger fillings may need a stronger material like ceramic or even a crown.
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How tight your budget is. No shame in picking a more affordable option.
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Your dentist’s experience and recommendations. They’ve likely seen what works best in different situations.
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Allergies or sensitivities. Rare, but worth discussing.
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Your own habits. If you grind your teeth or chew ice, that might rule out certain materials.
Wrapping Up
Honestly, no one walks into the dentist excited about fillings. But if you’re already there, asking questions like this shows that you’re taking your oral health seriously. And that matters.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, which can be a little frustrating. But it also means your treatment can be tailored to what works best for you.
Sometimes you’ll make the choice based on looks. Other times, you’ll go with what lasts the longest. And once in a while, you’ll just go with what your dentist says and hope for the best.
And that’s okay, too.
If you’re ever unsure, just ask your dentist to walk you through your options — maybe even show you what each filling looks like. Sometimes seeing the material up close can help the decision click into place.
Because at the end of the day, the "best" filling isn’t the most expensive or the most advanced. It’s the one that lets you forget you ever had a cavity in the first place.