When you discover you need a filling, the choice between white and silver may seem small, but it can affect your smile’s appearance, your comfort, and even how long the restoration lasts. Many people feel uncertain about which option serves them best, wondering if the more natural-looking choice comes with trade-offs or whether the traditional metal filling still has a place in modern dentistry.
At Ocean Breeze Implant & Esthetic Dentistry, we help you make informed decisions about your dental care. Dr. Nicholas Goetz and our team offer all white fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth while providing durable, long-lasting protection. We believe you deserve to feel confident in your treatment choices, and we’re here to guide you through the options.
What Are White Fillings?
White fillings, also called composite fillings, use a tooth-colored resin material that your dentist carefully matches to your natural tooth shade. The composite bonds directly to your tooth structure, creating a strong seal that helps prevent future decay.
This type of filling has become increasingly popular because it looks just like your natural teeth. When you laugh, talk, or smile, no one can tell you’ve had dental work done. The material also requires less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to traditional silver fillings, which means we preserve more of your natural tooth.
How White Fillings Work
The process begins with removing the decayed part of your tooth. We then apply the composite material in layers, using a specialized light to harden each coat. This careful layering allows us to shape the filling precisely to match your tooth’s natural contours. The final result feels smooth and comfortable in your mouth.
What Are Silver Fillings?
Silver fillings, technically called amalgam fillings, have been used in dentistry for over 150 years. Despite the name, they contain a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, tin, and copper. The mercury fuses the other metals together, creating a durable material that can resist the pressures of chewing.
These fillings appear dark gray or silver in your mouth, making them quite noticeable when you open your mouth wide. While they’ve proven their reliability over many decades, their appearance often concerns people who value a natural-looking smile.
Comparing Appearance and Esthetics
The most obvious difference between white and silver fillings shows up when you look in the mirror. White fillings match your tooth color so well that even you may forget which teeth have been restored. This matters particularly for front teeth or any teeth visible when you smile.
Silver fillings stand out dramatically against your natural tooth color. Over time, they can also cause the surrounding tooth structure to appear grayish, creating an even more noticeable contrast. For people who value a bright, natural smile, this visual impact often becomes the deciding factor in choosing white fillings.
Durability and Longevity
Both filling types can last many years with proper care, though they perform differently under various conditions. Silver fillings typically last 10 to 15 years and handle heavy chewing forces well, making them suitable for back teeth that do most of the work when you eat.
White fillings generally last 7 to 10 years, though newer composite materials continue to improve in strength. They work beautifully for front teeth and small to medium cavities in back teeth. Regular dental checkups help ensure your fillings stay in good condition, regardless of which type you choose.
Tooth Structure Preservation
White fillings require less removal of healthy tooth structure because the composite material bonds chemically to your tooth. This bonding creates a tight seal and helps support the remaining tooth structure. Preserving more of your natural tooth helps keep it stronger and more resistant to future problems.
Silver fillings require your dentist to create a specific shape in the tooth to mechanically hold the filling in place. This process sometimes means removing more healthy tooth structure than would be required by decay alone. While this approach has worked reliably for generations, many people now prefer the more conservative option of white fillings.
Sensitivity and Comfort
The materials respond differently to temperature changes in your mouth. Silver fillings expand and contract more noticeably with hot and cold foods and drinks. This movement can occasionally cause discomfort or even small cracks in your tooth over time. Some people experience temperature sensitivity that persists long after the filling is placed.
White fillings expand and contract at a rate closer to natural tooth structure, which typically causes less sensitivity. Most people find that any discomfort following placement resolves quickly. The material feels smooth and natural, and you may forget which teeth have been restored.
Safety Considerations
Both types of fillings have been studied extensively and deemed safe by dental organizations. Studies show that the average adult aged 20 to 64 has three or more decayed or missing teeth, underscoring the importance of proper dental care and timely fillings for long-term oral health.
Silver fillings contain mercury, which has raised concerns for some patients. However, the mercury binds with the other metals and doesn’t release in harmful amounts. White fillings eliminate this concern entirely, using materials that contain no mercury or other metals.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Silver fillings typically cost less upfront, and most dental insurance plans cover them fully for back teeth. White fillings may cost more, especially for larger restorations. However, many insurance plans now cover composite fillings for all teeth, recognizing their benefits and increasing popularity.
The investment in white fillings often pays off through improved appearance and potentially better long-term tooth health. Our team at Ocean Breeze Implant & Esthetic Dentistry helps you understand your insurance benefits and find solutions that fit your budget. We offer flexible financial options to make quality dental care accessible.
Experience Comprehensive Care at Ocean Breeze Implant & Esthetic Dentistry
Dr. Nicholas Goetz completed his Maxillofacial Prosthodontics Fellowship at UCLA, gaining advanced skills in dental restoration and reconstruction. He combines his background in both the medical field and hands-on craftsmanship to deliver treatment that’s both technically excellent and esthetically beautiful. Our practice utilizes advanced digital dentistry technology to ensure precise, comfortable care.
Whether you need a filling, want to replace old silver fillings with white ones, or have questions about the best choice for your situation, we’re here to help. Contact Ocean Breeze Implant & Esthetic Dentistry in Delray Beach today to schedule your consultation and discover how modern dental care can preserve your natural smile.
