92: The Truth about Mercury Fillings

Mercury Fillings vs. White Fillings: What’s Really Better for Your Health and Smile?

Have you ever opened your mouth wide and noticed a silver glint in the back? Or maybe your dentist asked if you preferred a silver or white filling—and you weren’t sure which to choose? Today on The Wonder Tooth, we’re diving into one of the most debated topics in dentistry: silver amalgam vs. white composite fillings. What are they made of? How do they perform? And do they really affect your body differently? Let's get into the facts, myths, and science behind these two popular dental materials.

WHAT ARE MERCURY (AMALGAM) FILLINGS?

Definition:

Silver fillings, or amalgam fillings, have been used in dentistry for over 150 years. They’re made from a mixture of metals, including:

1. Mercury (around 50%)
2. Silver
3. Tin
4. Copper
5. Zinc (sometimes)

The mercury binds the metals together and creates a hard, durable material once set.

✅ PROS OF SILVER FILLINGS

1. Durability and Longevity
2. Lasts 10–15 years, sometimes longer.
3. Withstands strong chewing forces, ideal for molars.
4. Cost-Effective
5. Generally more affordable than composite fillings.
6. Quick Placement
7. Less technique-sensitive.
8. Easier to place in areas with limited access or moisture.
9. Bacteriostatic Properties
10. Some studies suggest amalgam fillings may inhibit bacterial growth under the filling.

❌ CONS OF SILVER FILLINGS

1. Aesthetic Concerns
2. Very noticeable, especially when laughing or speaking.
3. Not suitable for front teeth or visible areas.
4. Cracks and Fractures
5. Metal expands and contracts with temperature changes, which can lead to tooth fractures over time.
6. May weaken the remaining tooth structure.
7. Mercury Content and Health Concerns
8. Contains elemental mercury, which is toxic in large amounts.
9. The ADA and FDA state that amalgam is safe for most people, but some health-conscious patients and holistic providers prefer to avoid it.
10. Mercury exposure risk is higher during placement or removal—not while intact.