White fillings are actually, in dental terms, called composites. They are far superior to the silver fillings called amalgams in the following way:
1. In preparing the tooth for the composite fillings, not as much tooth structure needs to be removed which will keep the tooth stronger and less likely to need a crown in the future.
2. The composite filling bonds better to the enamel in order to give the tooth a tight seal and prevent further decay. (The silver filling does not bond with the enamel and leaves the tooth prone to future decay.)
3. Studies have shown that heavy metals such as mercury (contained in the silver filling) can cause the body harm.
4. Composite fillings color can be matched to the surrounding teeth wich is more pleasing to the eye than the silver filling.
***Composite (white) fillings take greater skill to place and the material used is more costly.
Composite (white) fillings are usually not covered by insurance when placed in the back teeth. The insurance company will only pay the fee for a silver filling. The difference in the fee from the composite (white) filling and the amalgam (silver) filling is the responsibility of the patient.
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