Among the biggest and most lingering disputes in the world of dentistry revolves around amalgam fillings and their mercury content. While the toxic properties of the substance mercury are well documented and understood, there has been no incontrovertible proof that the amount of mercury that people with amalgam fillings are exposed to on a daily basis is harmful.

If expenses are a problem, patients should go with amalgam fillings, but if looks are of greater importance, then composite fillings which closely resemble natural teeth are a much better alternative.

A final consideration about the selection of amalgam fillings over composite filings involves dental insurance: Most dental insurance providers offer full coverage of the less expensive amalgam fillings, while not all will cover the more costly, but equally affective composites