White or silver fillings?

White or silver fillings on a top tooth? Is there any diffrence besides the look?

White or silver fillings?
Silver fillings are called amalgam filings and the white ones are called composite fillings.





The differences are that composite fillings are more expensive because its a longer procedure with more steps then your amalgam fillings. The white fillings are matched with your current teeth color and cure under a special light for a few minutes to set.





Also, many patients that come in to replace their silver fillings are advised not to shallow the water when the doctor drills away the silver filling, maybe it's toxic when consumed? I had my white color fillings for quite some time now, and they're still holding up, make sure your dentist uses a etching and bond material to ensure that the filling stays and doesn't create a pocket for reoccurring decay.





Also, most insurance companies don't allow the white fillings in your posterior teeth, or your morals. However, most dentists allow you to pick and have you pay the difference.
Reply:the new white stuff is prob better and harder and looks better....
Reply:No difference except white is more expensive and not all insurances pay for it.
Reply:White looks better but it more $$$. If you can, go with the white. Ask your dentist what the differences are.
Reply:Well silver filling contain mercury. I used to be a dental assistant, and everyone said that silver mercury filling were not dangerous. Then one day i got really sick after having an allergic reaction to the stuff. It's been two years and im still pretty sick.





Stay away from silver, no matter what anyone says.
Reply:To my knowledge, there hasn't been any scientific evidence that the amalgam fillings are harmful due to the amount of mercury in them....it's so minute.





Insurance companies usually don't offer benefits for posterior (back teeth) composites... if you don't have insurance, it won't matter, huh? LOL The amalgam fillings are quite a bit less expensive than the composite ones, that's for sure.





The amalgam is a stronger material than the composite, and the crushing strength is higher, making it 'better' for posterior teeth.





Most dentists will let you pick which filling material you'd prefer, but some only offer the composite, even for molars... it's up to you.





~hope this helped.