What are the materials used for dental fillings?

Thanks to advances in dental materials, you have several options when it comes to the type of filling used to repair your tooth. Each material has its own advantages, and at Nuvodent we will recommend the best one for you based on the size and location of the cavity, cosmetic considerations, durability, and cost. 

Here are the most common types of filling materials we offer.

Composite (White) Fillings

What is it? Composite resin is a tooth-colored material made of a plastic matrix mixed with fine glass particles. It’s one of the most popular filling materials today.

Advantages: Composite fillings are highly aesthetic – they can be closely matched to the color of your natural teeth, making the filling virtually invisible. The composite material bonds to the tooth structure, which can strengthen the tooth and often allows us to remove less healthy tooth tissue compared to an amalgam filling. They also harden quickly (using a special curing light) so you can use the tooth soon after the procedure.

Disadvantages: Composite can be slightly less durable than metal for very large fillings in back teeth that withstand heavy chewing forces. They may also be a bit more expensive than amalgam. Over time, composites can pick up stains from things like coffee, tea, or tobacco, though proper polishing and good hygiene minimize this.

Best for: Small to medium cavities, especially in visible areas (front teeth or visible surfaces of back teeth). We primarily use composite fillings at Nuvodent for most situations because of their combination of strength and appearance.

Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

What is it? Dental amalgam is a traditional filling material that is a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury (the mercury is bound in the alloy and makes the material pliable during placement).

Advantages: Amalgam is very strong and long-lasting. These fillings can endure significant chewing forces and typically last many years, often longer than composite in large restorations. Amalgam is also cost-effective.

Disadvantages: The obvious drawback is the dark silver color, which is visible when you laugh or smile, so it’s not aesthetic for front teeth. Amalgam fillings also require the removal of a bit more healthy tooth structure to hold the material in place (since they don’t bond to the tooth like composite). Additionally, while major health organizations consider dental amalgam safe, some people have concerns about the mercury content.

Best for: Large cavities in back molar teeth where the filling won’t be seen and maximum strength is needed. However, due to improved alternatives, amalgam is used less frequently nowadays – Nuvodent mainly uses composites and other modern materials.

Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC)

What is it? Glass ionomer is a tooth-colored material made from acrylic acids and fine glass powder. It has the unique property of releasing fluoride over time.

Advantages: The slow fluoride release can help strengthen the surrounding tooth and prevent further decay, which is a great benefit for cavity-prone patients. Glass ionomer also forms a chemical bond to the tooth and is relatively gentle on the tooth’s pulp (nerve). 

Disadvantages: GIC is not as strong or wear-resistant as composite or amalgam, so it’s usually not used on chewing surfaces of adult molars. It can wear down or chip if subjected to heavy biting forces. Also, the color match to tooth enamel, while good, is usually not as perfect as composite.

Best for: Small fillings in low-stress areas, cavities on the neck of the tooth (near the gumline), root surface cavities, or temporary fillings. It’s also often used in children’s teeth or as a liner under other fillings.

Gold Fillings (Inlays/Onlays)

What is it? Gold fillings are actually custom-made restorations (called inlays or onlays) created in a dental lab from gold alloy. They are then cemented into the cavity. Gold is not used as a direct filling that’s placed in one visit – it requires at least two visits and a lab process.

Advantages: Gold is a very durable material – gold restorations can last 15 years or much longer, often decades. It is extremely strong, biocompatible with gum tissue, and does not corrode. Many dentists consider gold the “gold standard” for long-term performance in large cavities.

Disadvantages: The cost of gold restorations is high, due to both material cost and the lab work involved. Also, gold is obviously metallic and doesn’t match tooth color, though on back teeth some patients don’t mind. Another disadvantage is the need for multiple appointments (one to prepare the tooth and take an impression, and another to cement the fabricated gold piece).

Best for: Large cavities in back teeth for patients who prioritize durability and don’t mind the extra cost or the gold color. Nowadays, porcelain inlays/onlays are often chosen instead of gold for aesthetic reasons, but gold is still an excellent choice for those who want the longest-lasting solution.

Porcelain/Ceramic Fillings (Inlays/Onlays)

What is it? These are another type of lab-made filling, crafted from high-strength dental ceramic (porcelain). They are custom-designed to fit the cavity and are bonded into place, similar to gold inlays/onlays.

Advantages: Porcelain inlays/onlays are tooth-colored and highly aesthetic, blending seamlessly with the natural tooth. They are also quite durable and resistant to staining. Ceramic materials are improving all the time and can closely match natural enamel’s translucency.

Disadvantages: As with gold, they tend to be more expensive than direct fillings and require two visits (one for preparation and impression, another to cement the restoration). Porcelain can also be a bit more brittle than composite or gold; however, when bonded properly to the tooth, it is very strong and can serve for many years.

Best for: Moderate to large cavities, especially in teeth that show when you smile, where aesthetics are important along with strength. They are a great option if you want a long-lasting, invisible filling and are willing to invest a bit more time and cost.