Dental Filling Types and Costs: Amalgam, Composite, Ceramic, and Gold Compared
Four filling materials are available in the US. Each has different costs, lifespans, and trade-offs. This page compares all four side-by-side with per-year cost analysis to help you decide.
Master Comparison Table
| Material | Cost | Cost/Year | Lifespan | Strength | Look | Visits | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amalgam (Silver) | $75-$150 | $8.33 | 10-15 yrs | Excellent | Silver/dark | 1 | 80% (basic) |
| Composite | $150-$300 | $25.00 | 5-10 yrs | Good | Tooth-coloured | 1 | 80% (may downgrade) |
| Ceramic | $250-$500 | $27.78 | 15-20 yrs | Very good | Tooth-coloured | 1-2 | 50% (major) |
| Gold | $300-$4,500 | $32.00 | 20-30 yrs | Excellent | Gold | 2 | 50% (major) |
Material Deep Dive
Amalgam (Silver)
$75-$150ADA Codes
D2140 (1 surface), D2150 (2), D2160 (3), D2161 (4+)
Lifespan / Cost Per Year
10-15 years / $8.33/year
When to Choose
Budget is your top priority, the filling is on a back tooth not visible when you smile, and you want the longest-proven track record.
When to Avoid
Front teeth, patients with mercury sensitivities (rare), or if your dentist no longer offers it.
Insurance Coverage
Almost always covered at 80%. Insurance companies prefer amalgam because it is cheaper.
Composite (Tooth-Coloured)
$150-$300ADA Codes
D2330-D2335 (anterior), D2391-D2394 (posterior)
Lifespan / Cost Per Year
5-10 years / $25.00/year
When to Choose
Any tooth where appearance matters, most front teeth, and the majority of back-tooth fillings. This is the default choice for most patients and dentists in 2026.
When to Avoid
Very large back-tooth cavities where amalgam's strength advantage matters, or when you are on a tight budget with no insurance.
Insurance Coverage
Usually covered at 80%, but many plans have a composite downgrade clause that only pays the amalgam rate for back teeth.
Ceramic / Porcelain
$250-$500ADA Codes
D2610-D2664 (inlays/onlays), D2740 (crown)
Lifespan / Cost Per Year
15-20 years / $27.78/year
When to Choose
Medium to large cavities where you want excellent aesthetics and stain resistance. Good for patients who drink a lot of coffee or tea. CEREC same-day options available.
When to Avoid
Small cavities where composite works just fine, or when budget is the primary concern.
Insurance Coverage
Often classified as major restorative (50% coverage). Some plans do not cover ceramic at all for direct fillings.
Gold Inlay/Onlay
$300-$4,500ADA Codes
D2410 (1 surface), D2420 (2), D2430 (3+)
Lifespan / Cost Per Year
20-30 years / $32.00/year
When to Choose
Maximum durability on a back molar, biocompatibility for patients allergic to other metals, and willingness to invest in a long-lasting restoration.
When to Avoid
Front teeth (visible), patients wanting a natural look, budget-conscious patients. Gold is now chosen by less than 5% of patients.
Insurance Coverage
Usually 50% (major restorative). Requires pre-authorization on most plans.
Cost-Per-Year Analysis
The cheapest filling upfront is not always the cheapest over time. Dividing total cost by expected lifespan reveals the true annual cost of each material.
Amalgam
$8.33
$100 / 12 years
Composite
$25.00
$200 / 8 years
Ceramic
$27.78
$500 / 18 years
Gold
$32.00
$800 / 25 years
Which Material Is Right for You?
Front tooth, visible when you smile?
Composite ($150-$300) is the standard. For maximum stain resistance, consider ceramic ($250-$500).
Back molar, budget is tight?
Amalgam ($75-$150) if your dentist offers it. Otherwise composite ($150-$300). Dental schools save 50-70%.
Want the longest-lasting option?
Gold (20-30 years) or ceramic (15-20 years). Both cost more upfront but need fewer replacements.
Insurance is your main concern?
Amalgam always gets the highest coverage. Composite may be downgraded. Ceramic and gold typically fall under major restorative at 50%.
Amalgam Phase-Out Status
The EU banned amalgam for all patients in 2025. In the US, the FDA issued a 2020 advisory recommending non-mercury alternatives for high-risk groups (pregnant women, children under 6, people with kidney disease). Many US dentists have voluntarily stopped offering amalgam, making composite the de facto standard.
About 50% of US general dentists still place amalgam as of 2026. If amalgam matters to you for cost or durability reasons, ask your dentist specifically whether they offer it.