Composite vs. Amalgam Fillings

When you need a cavity filled, the two most common materials are tooth-colored composite and traditional silver amalgam. Both restore the tooth, but they differ in appearance, cost, and durability. Here is how they compare so you can talk options with your dentist.

Quick Comparison

The Case for Composite Fillings

Pros

• Natural look — Blends in, ideal for teeth that show.
• Bonds to the tooth — Requires less drilling of healthy structure.
• Mercury-free — A concern for some patients.
• Versatile — Also repairs chips and small gaps.

Cons

• Costs more — Typically pricier than amalgam.
• Shorter lifespan — May need replacing sooner on heavy-chewing teeth.
• Can stain — Over time, especially with coffee or tobacco.

The Case for Amalgam Fillings

Pros

• Very durable — Withstands years of heavy chewing force.
• Lower cost — Often the most affordable option.
• Great for large fillings — Strong choice for back molars.
• Less technique-sensitive — Reliable even in hard-to-keep-dry areas.

Cons

• Silver color — Noticeable when you laugh or open wide.
• More tooth removed — Needs a mechanical undercut to stay in place.
• Contains mercury — Bound and considered safe, but a concern for some.

Who Should Choose Which?

• Choose composite if the tooth shows when you smile or you want a mercury-free, tooth-preserving option.
• Choose amalgam if the filling is on a back molar under heavy chewing pressure, or cost is the priority.

Your dentist can recommend the right material after an exam — and regular dental checkups catch cavities early, when smaller, simpler fillings will do.

How to Decide

For visible teeth, composite is almost always the better choice for its natural look. For large fillings on back molars that take the most force, many dentists still favor amalgam for its strength and longevity. Cost and personal preference on mercury round out the decision — talk it through with your dentist.