Amalgam fillings contain mercury, and are often referred to as silver fillings. Their safety
 has been in question for a number of years due to concerns over the absorption of elemental
mercury into the body. Amalgam fillings are a mixture of liquid mercury, small pieces of silver,
and other metals such as copper, tin and zinc. Although this type of filling is strong and durable,
and the American Dental Association approves its use; they can compromise the integrity of the
tooth since the dentist is forced to cut the tooth in a way that weakens the tooth during
function (like when chewing) in order to gain retention of the filling material. Also, because
they contain metal, it is difficult to see tooth decay beneath them on a dental X ray as the
metal “blocks out” the decay.

Composite resin dental fillings were created as an alternative to traditional metal dental fillings.
They are available in a variety of shades and the dentist is able to match the existing tooth color
 to achieve a virtually invisble restoration. They are made of a plastic dental resin. Composite
Resin Dental Fillings are strong, durable, and make for a very natural looking smile. They are
bonded to the tooth therefore the dentist does not have to remove healthy tooth structure to
gain retention for the restoration.