What are the different types of materials used for dental fillings?

The main direct filling materials, placed in the tooth in a single visit, are composite resin, dental amalgam and glass ionomer cement. Ceramic and gold are used for indirect restorations, which are made to measure outside the mouth.

Composite resin is the tooth-coloured "white filling". It is bonded to the tooth in layers and hardened with a curing light, so it blends in and often needs less tooth removed. It suits most small and medium cavities, but needs the tooth kept dry while it is placed.

At Best Dentist in Al Rigga, white composite fillings are AED 150 per tooth, once the dentist has examined the tooth and confirmed a filling is right for you. See all our prices.

Amalgam is the traditional silver filling, made from a metal alloy. It is hard-wearing and copes well with chewing forces on back teeth. Its main drawback is appearance: it does not match the tooth colour.

Glass ionomer is a tooth-coloured material that bonds to the tooth and releases fluoride. It is softer than composite, so it is often used for small fillings near the gum line, in baby teeth or as a temporary filling.

Resin-modified glass ionomer adds resin and is hardened with a curing light. It is stronger and looks better than conventional glass ionomer, while still releasing fluoride, but it is less wear-resistant than composite on biting surfaces.

Not as ordinary fillings. Ceramic and gold are used for indirect restorations, such as inlays and onlays, which are made to fit the tooth and then bonded or cemented in place, usually over more than one visit.

• Ceramic inlays and onlays are tooth-coloured and resist staining. They may be considered for a cavity too large for a simple filling.
• Gold restorations are very strong on back teeth, but gold-coloured and clearly visible.

Both usually cost more than a direct filling because they are made to measure.

No material is best for every tooth. The choice depends on the tooth, the size of the cavity, the biting forces it takes and what the dentist finds at your examination. Front teeth need a natural look; back teeth need to cope with chewing.

The dentist explains the options for your tooth and the price before anything starts. Read more about our tooth filling treatment, how long fillings last and how much fillings cost in the UAE.