What Type of Dental Filling Is Best?

January 1, 2026

A small cavity can feel like a big decision. Restorations protect the tooth, stop decay, and restore bite strength. The best choice depends on where the cavity sits, how you use that tooth, and what you want the tooth to look like. This guide walks through the options for dental fillings in Ocoee, so you can weigh durability, appearance, and cost with confidence.

Common Types of Dental Fillings

Several materials work well for cavities. Your dentist will match the material to the tooth and the size of the repair.

• Composite resin: tooth-colored, bonds to enamel and dentin
  
• Amalgam: silver-toned alloy of mercury, silver, tin, and copper
  
• Gold: cast metal, placed as an inlay or onlay
  
• Porcelain/ceramic: custom-made, often used as inlays, onlays, or partial crowns
  
• Glass ionomer: releases fluoride; best for certain small non-chewing areas
  

Each has strengths and trade-offs. The sections below outline when each shines.

Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings

Composite resin blends with natural enamel. It works well for front teeth and visible areas. The material bonds to the tooth, which means less drilling and a healthy structure is saved. Modern composites resist wear and withstand normal chewing. They can also fix small chips and shape flaws.

Pros

• Matches tooth shade for a natural look
  
• Bonds to enamel and dentin for a tight seal
  
• Repairs small to medium cavities in front and back teeth
  
• Can be repaired or added to if needed
  

Considerations

• Takes longer to place because the tooth must be dry and prepared in steps
  
• Can pick up minor stains over time
  
• Not ideal for very large chewing-surface cavities where heavy force is constant
  

For many patients, composites balance strength and appearance. Ask a dentist near you how the color match will look in your light and with your enamel tone.

Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

Amalgam has served dentistry for more than a century. It stands up to heavy biting forces and lasts for years. It is most often used for back molars, where appearance is less of a concern and chewing load is high.

Pros

• Strong and long-lasting in high-force areas
  
• Less sensitive to moisture during placement
  
• Often lower cost than other options 

Considerations

• Silver color shows in the smile and can darken with time
  
• Requires more removal of tooth structure to hold the filling in place
  
• Over the years, small temperature shifts can cause the material to expand or contract, possibly changing its fit
  

Amalgam remains a solid choice for large posterior restorations when budget and longevity are key.

Gold and Porcelain Fillings

These restorations are custom-made outside the mouth and cemented later. They may be called inlays or onlays. They suit larger cavities where a direct filling would be less stable.

Gold Inlays/Onlays

Gold fillings wear much like natural enamel and are gentle on the teeth they touch.

Pros

• Exceptional durability and fit
  
• Resists corrosion and fracture
  
• Long service life when cared for
  

Considerations

• Noticeable color
  
• Higher cost due to lab work and materials
  
• Requires two visits
  

Porcelain/Ceramic Inlays/Onlays

Porcelain mimics enamel’s translucence and color. It bonds to the tooth and holds up well in many chewing situations.

Pros

• Excellent aesthetics; blends with enamel
  
• Good strength for moderate to large restorations
  
• Stain resistant
  

Considerations

• Can chip with heavy force or grinding
  
• Higher cost than direct fillings
  
• Two visits and a lab fee
  

These lab-made options often work well when the cavity is too large for a composite but not large enough to need a full crown.

Factors That Determine the Best Option

No single material wins for every tooth. Your dentist in Ocoee will look at:

• Cavity size and location: Front teeth favor composites; large molar cavities may favor amalgam, gold, or porcelain.
  
• Bite forces and habits: Night grinding or a heavy bite pushes the choice toward stronger materials or onlays.
  
• Tooth structure left: Less structure often means a bonded material or a lab-made onlay.
  
• Moisture control: Composites need a dry field; amalgam is more forgiving.
  
• Appearance goals: Visible areas point toward tooth-colored options.
  
• Budget and coverage: Some plans cover basic fillings more than inlays or onlays.
  
• Time: Same-day direct fillings vs. two-visit lab restorations.
  

During your exam, share any sensitivity, clenching, or grinding. These details shape the plan and protect the result.

Durability, Aesthetics, and Cost Comparison

Think of the choice as a balance of three levers:

Durability

• Highest: Gold inlays/onlays; porcelain onlays (with the right design)
  
• High: Amalgam in molars; modern composites in small to medium restorations
  
• Moderate: Glass ionomer in low-stress spots
  

Aesthetics

• Best: Composite and porcelain due to color match
  
• Visible: Amalgam and gold
  

Cost (varies by tooth, size, and plan)

• Lower: Amalgam, small to medium composite
  
• Higher: Large composite, porcelain, or gold inlays/onlays
  

If you search for a dentist in 34761, compare how each office explains these trade-offs and what materials they use for different cases.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Filling with Your Dentist

The best filling is the one that fits your tooth, your smile, and your life. A careful exam, bite assessment, and cavity map guide the choice. Share your goals for appearance and longevity. Ask about the steps, expected lifespan, and care.

Daily care remains the foundation. Brush with fluoride paste, floss once a day, and keep routine checkups. Avoid biting ice or hard objects with restored teeth. If you clench or grind, a night guard can protect both enamel and restorations.

For tailored advice, schedule a visit and discuss options with Dr. Freddy Mezquia. When you sit down with a dentist, you can review photos, feel sample materials, and choose a plan that serves you well. If you are exploring local options, Smiles of Ocoee can help you decide which material fits your needs and goals.