Tooth Filling Types: Full Cost and Durability Comparison
There are four main types of dental fillings: amalgam, composite resin, ceramic, and gold. Each has different costs, lifespans, and appropriate uses. Here is everything you need to know to choose the right one.
Updated 28 March 2026
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam is a silver-coloured alloy composed of mercury (approximately 50%), silver, tin, and copper. It has been used in dentistry for over 150 years and is one of the most extensively researched dental materials in existence. Amalgam fillings are extremely durable, often lasting 15 to 20 years or more.
Key facts
Best for / not ideal for
Best for back molars with heavy bite pressure where appearance is not a concern.
Not ideal for front teeth or visible premolars due to silver colour.
Composite Resin Fillings
Composite resin is a tooth-coloured plastic and glass mixture that is now the most commonly placed filling in the US. It bonds directly to the tooth structure, which means less healthy tooth material needs to be removed compared to amalgam.
Key facts
Best for / considerations
Best for all visible teeth and suitable for back teeth. The most versatile option for most patients.
Stains slightly over time with heavy coffee, tea, and wine consumption. Less durable than amalgam or gold under very heavy bite forces.
Composite fillings cost more than amalgam but are now the standard recommendation from most dentists. The aesthetic benefit (invisible filling) and the preservation of more natural tooth structure make composite the preferred choice for the majority of cavities.
Ceramic (Porcelain) Fillings
Ceramic fillings (also called porcelain inlays or onlays) are laboratory-made restorations created to fit a specific prepared cavity. They are made from dental porcelain and are bonded to the tooth at a second appointment after the lab has fabricated them. They are harder and more stain-resistant than composite but cost significantly more.
Key facts
Best for
Large cavities or cracked cusps on back teeth where a composite filling would be too weak but a crown is not yet needed. Also preferred for patients wanting the best aesthetic result with maximum longevity.
CEREC (same-day ceramic restoration) is available at some practices using in-office milling technology, eliminating the second appointment.
Gold Fillings
Gold inlays and onlays are considered by many dentists to be the most durable filling material available. They can last 20 to 30 years with proper care. However, they are expensive, require two appointments, and are obviously visible due to their gold colour.
Key facts
Best for
Back molars under extreme bite pressure, patients who grind their teeth, and those who want the maximum lifespan from a restoration. Gold is gentler on opposing teeth than porcelain.
Gold fillings are becoming less common as ceramic and composite technologies improve, but they remain a valid choice for specific clinical situations.
All Four Types at a Glance
| Property | Amalgam | Composite | Ceramic | Gold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lowest | Moderate | High | Very high |
| Lifespan | 15 to 20 years | 7 to 15 years | 10 to 20 years | 20 to 30+ years |
| Appearance | Poor (visible) | Excellent | Excellent | Obvious gold |
| One visit? | Yes | Yes | Usually 2 | 2 |
| Stain resistance | N/A (silver) | Moderate | High | High |
| Mercury content | Yes | No | No | No |
Common Questions
Is composite as strong as amalgam?
Modern composite resins are significantly stronger than earlier generations. For small to medium cavities on front and back teeth, composite performs well under normal bite forces. For very large cavities on high-pressure molars, ceramic or gold inlays may be more appropriate than composite.
Should I replace my old amalgam fillings with composite?
There is no clinical reason to replace amalgam fillings that are intact and functioning. Removing them can actually expose you to more mercury dust during the removal process than leaving them in place. Replace amalgam only when a filling fails or when new decay is found. Discuss the options with your dentist rather than replacing preemptively.
Does the size of the cavity affect which filling type to use?
Yes. Small cavities (Class I and II) are typically treated with composite. Large cavities that involve significant tooth structure loss, especially on molars, are better restored with ceramic inlays, onlays, or in some cases a crown. Your dentist will assess the extent of decay and recommend the appropriate restoration type.
Cost ranges are typical US market figures as of early 2026. Insurance coverage, dentist fees, and material availability vary significantly. Always discuss restoration options with your dentist and confirm costs before treatment begins. This page provides general information only and does not constitute dental advice.