7 Types of Dental Fillings: Pros, Cons and Costs

Cavities, those pesky little dental woes, are incredibly common throughout our lives. In fact, a whopping 90% of adults over the age of 20 have experienced at least one cavity. And currently, 1 in 4 people between the ages of 20 and 64 is grappling with this dental issue.¹

But fear not because dental fillings are like tiny superheroes, swooping in to prevent cavities from wreaking havoc. These fillings not only stop decay in its tracks but also help prevent infections and potential tooth loss.

Here’s a rundown of different filling types, including their pros and cons and national average costs*.

1. Amalgam Fillings

Used for over 150 years, amalgam fillings, also referred to as "silver" fillings, are comprised of a combination of liquid mercury and a powdered alloy containing silver, tin and copper.²

To repair your cavity, your dentist will first drill away the tooth decay to create a space for the filling. They will then mix up the liquid mercury and powdered alloy to create a malleable putty that they can use to fill in the hole before the filling dries into place.²

Pros of an amalgam filling

• Very durable, lasting up to 15 years³

• Works well for large cavities²

• Stands up to repeated chewing⁴

• Costs less than other types of fillings²

• Requires less time to apply than other types of fillings⁴

Cons of an amalgam filling

• Silver color stands out and is noticeable on your tooth²

• Being phased out in favor of composite resin by some dental offices due to aesthetics and functional issues³

• Requires the removal of more tooth structure to apply than other filling materials⁴

• Can expand and contract over time, leading to tooth fractures⁴

• Contains elemental mercury, which may not be appropriate for pregnant or nursing people, children under 6 years old, those allergic to mercury and those with neurological conditions or who have impaired kidneys²

Cost of an amalgam filling

The average cost* of a single silver amalgam filling is $139 but can range from $108 to $256.⁵

2. Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are comprised of tooth-colored resins containing plastic and glass particles. They are popular because they aren't visible when you smile, blending in naturally to your teeth.⁴

Your dentist applies a composite filling much like an amalgam one but must keep the tooth clean and dry during the procedure.⁶

Pros of a composite filling

• Blends in with your natural teeth⁶

• Can repair small chips in your teeth and won't stand out⁴

• Used by some dental offices exclusively over silver amalgam due to its popularity³

• Contains no metals, making it a good choice for those with metal allergies⁴

• Resistant to changes in temperature, so it won't cause tooth fractures⁴

• Good for small- to medium-sized cavities⁶

• Bonds directly to your tooth, providing extra support⁴

• Doesn't require as much removal of the tooth to apply compared to an amalgam filling⁴

Cons of a composite filling

• Not as durable as an amalgam filling, lasting only five to seven years, depending on where it is placed³

• Replacement fillings will require another trip to the dentist, cost the same as a new filling and follow the same procedure to apply as your original filling⁴

• May not be covered by dental insurance⁶

• Requires more time to apply than an amalgam filling⁴

• Isn't appropriate for larger areas or areas that you use heavily to chew your food, such as your molars⁴

• Costs more than an amalgam filling⁴

• Requires more skill from your dentist to apply⁴

Cost of a composite filling

The average cost* of a single composite resin filling is $226 but can range from $173 to $439.⁵

3. Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer fillings consist of resin mixed with glass. They are tooth-colored and release fluoride into the mouth, which helps reduce the chances of further cavities developing.⁴

These fillings are usually for root cavities and as cement for inlay fillings crafted in a lab.⁴

Pros of a glass ionomer filling

• Tooth-colored and more aesthetically pleasing than metal fillings⁴

• Fluoride-releasing, so it helps prevent further decay and cavities⁴

• Can be used with inlay or onlay indirect fillings crafted in a lab as a bonding agent to apply it to the tooth⁴

• Bonds directly with the tooth to provide support and prevent further decay⁴

• Not sensitive to temperature changes, preventing cracks in the tooth from developing⁴

Cons of a glass ionomer filling

• Tooth-colored but not as closely matched to your teeth as a composite filling⁴

• Not long-lasting, usually needing replacement within around five years³

• Not appropriate for areas that do a lot of chewing, like molars⁴

• Weaker than a composite resin or amalgam filling⁴

• Costs more than an amalgam filling⁴

• Applied in layers, requiring more time in the dentist's office⁴

• Can be hard for your dentist to apply and requires more skill to do so⁴

Cost of a glass ionomer filling

The average cost* of a single glass ionomer filling is $152 but can range from $116 to $285.⁵

4. Gold Fillings

As their name implies, gold fillings are primarily crafted from gold mixed with copper and other metals. These fillings typically take two visits to your dentist to apply because they are crafted in a lab and then inserted into the cavity to fill it.⁷

However, for very small cavities, your doctor can apply them like a traditional amalgam filling in one visit — these types of gold fillings are called gold foils.⁷

Pros of a gold filling

• Lasts up to 30 years and may not require replacement³

• Durable and works well for surfaces used for heavy chewing, like molars⁴

• Biocompatible with your body⁴

• Won't corrode or tarnish over time⁴

• Customized to fit the exact shape of your cavity⁴

• Provides a tight seal around the filling to prevent further decay⁴

Cons of a gold filling

• Stands out from your teeth because it is not tooth-colored⁴

• Costs more than most types of fillings⁷

• Usually requires at least two trips to the dentist to apply⁷

• Requires more removal of the tooth structure⁴

• Not appropriate for high-saliva areas of the mouth⁴

• Needs more skill from your dentist to apply than an amalgam or composite resin filling⁴

• May cause an uncomfortable reaction if you have silver amalgam fillings anywhere else in your mouth⁴

Cost of a gold filling

The average cost* of a single gold filling is $466 but can range from $361 to $817.⁵

5. Ceramic Fillings

Ceramic fillings are made from porcelain or other resin materials mixed with ceramic, silica or glass quartz. They are tooth-colored, so they blend in with your teeth.³

This type of filling is an indirect filling, also known as an inlay or onlay, and crafted in a lab before being applied to your cavity.⁴ Your dentist keeps the area dry while the filling is applied in multiple steps.³

Pros of a ceramic filling

• Can be fashioned to match the color and shape of your tooth perfectly⁴

• Lasts up to 10 years, slightly more than composite resin fillings³

• Resistant to staining⁴

• Not sensitive to temperature changes, preventing cracks in the tooth from developing⁴

• Contains no metals, so it works well for those with metal allergies⁴

• Biocompatible with your body⁴

• Requires less removal of healthy tooth than an amalgam filling⁸

Cons of a ceramic filling

• Necessitates two dental appointments, first to determine the correct size and shape of the filling and then to apply it⁸

• Requires a temporary filling between dental visits⁸

• Expensive, around double the price of a gold filling⁵

• Not suitable for large cavities or for tooth surfaces that get a lot of chewing, like molars⁴

• Not as long-lasting as a gold filling⁴

• More difficult to place than an amalgam or composite resin filling, requiring more skill from your dentist⁴

Cost of a ceramic filling

The average cost* of a single ceramic inlay or onlay filling is $976 but can range from $755 to $1,774.⁵

6. CEREC Fillings

CEREC fillings are crafted from ceramic or composite resin.⁹ These types of fillings are known as inlays or onlays because they are fully formed and simply applied into or onto the area of the cavity with an adhesive resin cement.¹⁰

Unlike traditional porcelain inlays or onlays, CEREC fillings are created in a CEREC milling unit, which works much like a 3D printer, to make your filling right in your dentist's office so they can apply it that same day.¹¹

Pros of a CEREC filling

• Requires only one trip to your dentist's office to create and apply⁹

• Doesn't require traditional impressions, which can be uncomfortable; your dentist uses a digital picture of your tooth instead¹¹

• Can be fashioned to match the color and shape of your tooth perfectly¹¹

• Lasts from 10 to 30 years¹⁰

• Contains no metals, so it works well for those with metal allergies⁹

• Biocompatible with your body⁹

• Restores your tooth to its original strength¹¹

Cons of a CEREC filling

• Typically more expensive than other fillings⁹

• Not appropriate for areas that do a lot of chewing, like molars⁹

• Not all dental offices may offer this advanced technology⁹

Cost of a CEREC filling

The average cost* of a single CEREC filling is $810 but can range from $632 to $1,577.⁵

7. Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are indirect fillings created in a lab or by a CEREC milling machine and then adhered into place with an adhesive resin cement. An inlay is a filling that your dentist places into a cavity in the tooth to stabilize it, while an onlay is a partial crown placed on the tooth's surface, extending over one or more of the raised tips we use to chew, called cusps.¹⁰

These types of indirect fillings are made from either gold, ceramic or composite resin.⁴

Pros of an inlay or onlay

• Can be fashioned to match the color and shape of your tooth perfectly¹²

• Durable and long-lasting¹²

• Less prone to tooth fractures¹²

• Stain-resistant¹²

Cons of an inlay or onlay

• Necessitates two dental appointments, first to determine the correct size and shape of the filling and then to apply it, unless you get a CEREC filling¹²

• Expensive and more costly than an amalgam or traditional composite resin filling⁵

• Requires a temporary filling between dental visits for non-CEREC options¹²

Cost of an inlay or onlay

The average cost* of a single ceramic inlay or onlay filling is $976 but can range from $755 to $1,774.⁵

How to Preserve Your Fillings

No matter what type of filling your dentist recommends, adopt good dental habits to ensure it lasts as long as possible. That's because a replacement filling might cost the same as or more than the original, depending on what it's made of, and involve the same procedures to apply it.

To preserve your fillings and keep tooth decay from causing them to fail, practice these good habits:⁴

• Brush your teeth twice a day.

• Floss daily.

• Avoid sugary foods and beverages.

• Use toothpaste containing fluoride.

• Don't smoke or use tobacco products.¹²

• Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth.

Financing Dental Fillings With the CareCredit Credit Card

Whether you're getting dental fillings or you're simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or oral surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit. Use the CareCredit credit card, again and again, to pay for your health and wellness wants and needs, and download the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dental care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Susan Paretts is a freelance writer with 20 years of experience covering health and wellness, pet care and more. Her work has been published by the American Kennel Club, Bayer Animal Health, Elanco, LIVESTRONG.com, The San Francisco Chronicle, Chewy and more.