Silver vs. Composite Resin Tooth Fillings

Dark-Haired woman with resin composite fillings smiles while wearing a navy striped shirt against a sky blue wall

If you have a cavity a tooth filling is used to literally fill in that hole that has been left by decay. The question is whether you want to get a silver filling or a resin composite tooth filling. Both options have their advantages and here’s a quick comparison of the two to help you make a decision:

The Difference in Dental Fillings

Silver fillings are also sometimes called amalgam fillings as they’re made from a mixture of metals like silver, mercury, tin, and copper. Because of this material, they have a silver or gray color. Resin composite fillings, on the other hand, are made from a mixture of a special dental ceramic and plastic. They’re often called tooth-colored fillings because their color blends in seamlessly with the shade of your natural teeth.

Silver fillings are generally more affordable than resin composite fillings while resin composite fillings have the advantage when it comes to appearance. Despite these differences, both are effective solutions for restoring strength and stability to a tooth damaged by decay.

Insurance Downgrades & Your Dental Fillings

Oftentimes, dental insurance plans will cover only silver fillings, the cheaper option between the two, by default. When you choose to get a tooth-colored filling instead, some insurance companies apply a benefit “downgrade” to the least expensive alternative of a silver filling. Then, they ask you to pay your copay plus the difference in fee between a silver filling and resin composite filling. This still allows you the choice to get a tooth-colored filling by paying the difference in fee, which is like an upgrade fee.

If this is the case with your insurance, our front office team will be sure to let you know about your choices and the fee difference amount. Most of our patients choose the tooth-colored filling because they decide that it’s worth it for the more natural appearance in their smile.

Tooth Fillings in Long Island City, NY

Have more questions about silver vs. resin composite tooth fillings? Contact Queensboro Plaza Dental Care today!

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Patient Reviews

Karoline PammerKaroline Pammer
20:52 30 Mar 22
Dr. Nguyen and his staff are extremely competent, friendly and professional. He is very thorough and explains everything very clearly. Finally I feel like I am in good hands when it comes to dental care.
Matt SmithMatt Smith
21:18 05 Feb 22
Great overall experience getting a dental cleaning. Very friendly staff, beautifully designed office, and a comfortable experience watching calming Netflix nature programming while in the chair. Complimentary beverages are in the waiting room and so is a little play area for kids.It felt to me that this was a patient-focused family practice as opposed to a cold, corporate dental mill trying to churn through as many patients as possible.I’ll definitely be coming back here for all my dental needs and I highly recommend.
Sundup SherpaSundup Sherpa
22:07 02 Feb 22
Dr. Nguyen and his staff are very welcoming and they provide an excellent experience every time I visit. I’ve only been here twice for annual checkups but would definitely consider and recommend this place to anyone who appreciates good customer experience and a very thoughtful approach to making sure that you feel at home. I have some procedures set up for later in the month and I must actually be the only person in the world actually looking forward to a dentist appointment.
Jayrockem GottemJayrockem Gottem
21:27 09 Nov 21
Great place wonderful staff they will be my go too dentist 100%
shawaf alishawaf ali
22:08 26 Aug 21
Very confident after leaving the office that my teeth are in greatttt hands. Above and beyond patient care. Very informative visits. A sense that they genuinely care about patient concerns. Added helpful guidelines I took home with me to reach dental hygiene goals before my next visits. Highly recommended you leave your old scary dentist ! 😁😁
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Queensboro Plaza Dental Care

Queensboro Plaza Dental Care