Some dentists will offer fillings made of gold and other metals. The advantage of these shiny fillings is that they are strong and last a long time before needing corrections, 10 years at the very least. Then there are ceramics, or porcelain fillings. These look similar to composite resin but will stay whiter because of their resistance to staining. Ceramic fillings can be more abrasive. Therefore, if the tooth is one the tongue regularly touches, it can be distracting. Another issue, of course, is that gold and porcelain are typically more expensive than the above options.
Finally, one of the newer materials available for fillings is glass ionomer, a mix of acrylic material and special silica used mostly for fillings below the gum line or for pediatric dentistry. This experimental filling releases fluoride within the tooth over time, helping protect it instead of just filling the lost material. Most glass ionomers have the shortest life span of all filling types, typically five years or more in more sensitive locations. Talk to your dentist to see if the material and potential benefits of released fluoride make glass ionomer a viable option for you.
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