Amalgam fillings

[Christine]

Hi

I have four amalgam fillings that were done when I was a teenager and I have now decided that I rather have them changed to white fillings. My main reason is that when I smile for photos, I can see the amalgam fillings on the pictures afterwards.

Are there any risks involved in changing amalgam fillings to composite fillings? Overall do the white fillings last longer than silver fillings and how much would changing four dental fillings cost? If the cost is very high, could I change one amalgam filling at a time, perhaps spread the treatment over a few months?

[Dr Vahid Motahar]

Hi,

Thank you for your question.

Amalgam filling, according to studies, last longer than white filling. But this is in optimal conditions and I have seen clinically many white filling to last longer than amalgam filling! But metal fillings are suppose to last longer than composite fillings.

The cost of the filling, if it is only fillings that are needed and not any other things like inlays or onlays, it is roughly about £1000120. It all depends on the size and difficulty of the restoration and they can be done one at a time.