Types of Dental Fillings: Amalgam vs Composite vs Glass Ionomer vs Ceramic
If your dentist has just told you that you have a cavity, one of the first decisions you will face is which filling material to choose. There is no single "best" filling for everyone. The right choice depends on where the cavity is, how large it is, your budget, and whether you care about the filling being visible when you smile or laugh. Here is a straightforward comparison to help you discuss options confidently at your next visit.
The four main types of dental fillings
Most dental clinics, including ours in Sector 57, Gurugram, offer some combination of these four materials.
Amalgam (silver) fillings
Amalgam is a mix of metals including silver, mercury, tin and copper. It has been used for over a century because it is strong and reliable, particularly for back teeth that handle heavy chewing pressure.
- Durability: Very high, often 10 to 15 years or longer.
- Appearance: Silver-grey colour, clearly visible when you open your mouth.
- Cost: Typical range in Sector 57, Gurugram is roughly Rs 500 to Rs 1,500 per tooth, making it one of the more budget-friendly options.
Composite (tooth-coloured) fillings
Composite resin is a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles that can be shaded to match your natural tooth colour. It bonds directly to the tooth structure, which also means less healthy tooth needs to be removed compared to amalgam.
- Durability: Good for small to medium cavities, generally lasting 5 to 8 years.
- Appearance: Blends in well with natural teeth, a popular choice for front teeth and visible areas.
- Cost: Typical range is roughly Rs 1,500 to Rs 4,000 per tooth, depending on the size of the cavity.
Glass ionomer fillings
Glass ionomer cement releases fluoride, which can offer some extra protection against further decay. It is often used for fillings near the gum line, in baby teeth, or as a temporary or interim filling.
- Durability: Lower than other materials, typically 3 to 5 years, as it is more prone to wear and chipping.
- Appearance: Tooth-coloured but less natural looking and less stain-resistant than composite.
- Cost: Typical range is roughly Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500 per tooth.
Ceramic (porcelain) fillings
Ceramic fillings, sometimes placed as inlays or onlays, are custom-made in a lab or with digital scanning technology. They offer a strong, natural-looking, and stain-resistant option for larger cavities.
- Durability: Excellent, often lasting 10 to 15 years or more.
- Appearance: Closely matches natural tooth colour and translucency.
- Cost: Typical range is roughly Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 per tooth, reflecting the lab work and material involved.
A quick side-by-side comparison
| Material | Durability | Appearance | Typical Cost Range (per tooth) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amalgam | 10-15+ years | Silver-grey, visible | Rs 500 - Rs 1,500 |
| Composite | 5-8 years | Natural tooth colour | Rs 1,500 - Rs 4,000 |
| Glass ionomer | 3-5 years | Tooth-coloured, less refined | Rs 1,000 - Rs 2,500 |
| Ceramic | 10-15+ years | Very natural, stain-resistant | Rs 5,000 - Rs 15,000 |
These figures are a general guide only. Final costs depend on cavity size, tooth location, and the complexity of the procedure, so please treat them as a starting point for discussion rather than a fixed price.
Factors to think about before deciding
- Location of the cavity: Back teeth handle more chewing force, so strength matters more there. Front teeth are more visible, so appearance often takes priority.
- Size of the cavity: Larger cavities may need a more durable material like ceramic or amalgam to avoid repeated repairs.
- Budget: If cost is a major factor, amalgam or glass ionomer may suit small, less visible cavities.
- Cosmetic preference: If you want your filling to be unnoticeable, composite or ceramic are the better choices.
- Long-term maintenance: Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups extend the life of any filling material, so this matters as much as the material itself.
Bringing your specific cavity details to a consultation lets your dentist recommend the option that best balances strength, appearance, and cost for your situation. Patients visiting our clinic in Sector 57, Gurugram can get a clear, personalised recommendation after a simple examination.
Have questions about your teeth?
Dr Aishwarya's Dental Clinic · Sector 57, Gurugram
Frequently asked questions
Which filling lasts the longest?
Amalgam and ceramic fillings tend to last the longest, often 10 to 15 years or more with good oral hygiene. Composite fillings usually last 5 to 8 years, and glass ionomer fillings have the shortest lifespan, around 3 to 5 years.
Are composite fillings as strong as amalgam?
Modern composite materials have improved a lot and work well for small to medium cavities, especially in front and back teeth with moderate bite force. For very large cavities or molars bearing heavy chewing load, amalgam or ceramic may hold up better over time.
Is it safe to replace old amalgam fillings with white fillings?
If your amalgam filling is intact and not causing problems, there is usually no medical need to replace it. Replacement is generally suggested only when a filling is cracked, decayed underneath, or you want a better cosmetic match.
How do I know which filling is right for my cavity?
It depends on the size and location of the cavity, how much force that tooth handles while chewing, your budget, and whether appearance matters to you. Our dentist at Sector 57, Gurugram can examine the tooth and suggest suitable options during your visit.
Treatment costs mentioned on this page are indicative ranges for the Sector 57, Gurugram region. Your exact cost depends on your case and will be confirmed after a clinical examination at the clinic.