Filling materials compared
| Material | Looks | Strength | Visits | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composite (tooth-coloured resin) | Matches the tooth | Good | One | Most fillings, front and back |
| Glass ionomer (GIC) | Tooth-coloured, less glossy | Moderate | One | Milk teeth, gum-line fillings, temporary fillings |
| Amalgam (silver) | Silver-grey | High | One | Rarely used now |
| Ceramic inlay or onlay | Matches the tooth, very natural | High | Two | Large cavities in back teeth |
| Crown | Matches the tooth | Highest | Two | Teeth too broken for a filling or onlay |
How we choose
- Size of the cavity. Small and medium: composite. Large: onlay or crown.
- Where it is. Gum-line and children’s teeth often suit glass ionomer.
- Your bite. Heavy grinders need stronger options.
- Appearance. Front teeth always get tooth-coloured materials.
- Your risk of decay. Glass ionomer releases fluoride, useful for high-risk teeth.
Signs a filling needs replacing
- A crack or chip in the filling
- Food catching where it didn’t before
- A dark line or stain at the edge
- New sensitivity or pain on biting
At Petal Smiles
Our general dentist places fillings, and prosthodontist Dr. Adish Chaudhary plans inlays, onlays and crowns when a tooth needs more than a filling. You’ll get the options and fees after the examination. See fillings.
Questions patients ask us
Which filling lasts longest?
Well-placed amalgam and ceramic inlays last a long time. Composite fillings commonly last five to ten years or more. Small fillings and good care matter more than material.
Should I replace my silver fillings?
Not if they're intact and the tooth is healthy. Removing a sound filling takes away more tooth. Replace one if it's cracked, leaking or decay has formed around it, or if you'd like it changed for appearance.
Are tooth-coloured fillings as strong as silver?
Modern composites are strong enough for most back-tooth fillings. Very large fillings in molars are often better done as an onlay or crown.
What is an inlay or onlay?
A filling made in a lab, usually ceramic, from a scan of the tooth, then bonded in. An onlay also covers one or more cusps. They're stronger than large fillings and save more tooth than a crown.
Which filling is best for children?
Composite or glass ionomer, depending on the tooth and how cooperative the child is. Glass ionomer releases fluoride and is quick to place.
Sources
ADA MouthHealthy: tooth-coloured fillings ↗NHS: dental treatments ↗Last updated 14 October 2026.