Types of Dental Fillings for Kids

With a dental filling, a pediatric dentist can restore a tooth with minor to moderate decay or a cavity. Parents can select from several dental fillings for kids, from silver to glass ionomer. During a consultation, a pediatric dentist can guide the parent on when each type is the most effective choice for the patient.

Common types of dental fillings for kids

Dental fillings are safe for children and can often last into adulthood. The most cost-effective and durable option is a silver amalgam filling. Gold fillings are also a time-tested option. For children with metal allergies, consider a tooth-colored material such as composite resin, glass ionomer, or porcelain. These metal-free fillings blend with the natural tooth surface to create a discreet restoration. Explore the two main categories of fillings below.

Metal fillings

Silver amalgam fillings get their name from the fact that they are an amalgamation of several materials. According to the Cleveland Clinic, they may contain a mixture of mercury, tin, zinc, copper, and, of course, silver. The amount of mercury in these fillings has been ruled safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA). That said, to be on the safe side, mercury-based silver fillings are not generally recommended for children aged six and younger.

Similarly, gold fillings are not pure gold — this would make for a soft, pliable dental restoration. Thus, they contain additional materials for a more durable restoration. Copper is the most common.

The ADA has stated that gold fillings can last over 20 years with good oral hygiene and routine dental care. On average, silver fillings last between 10 and 15 years. However, since metal fillings are noticeable, dentists will likely only recommend them to restore the back teeth.

Tooth-colored fillings

There are several types of tooth-colored fillings: porcelain, composite resin, and glass ionomer. Porcelain fillings consist of a dental-safe ceramic material that is durable and stain-resistant. With proper care and attention, they are expected to last more than 15 years.

Healthline states composite resin fillings contain a mixture of plastic or acrylic resin and powdered glass filler (ionomer). This mixture allows for easy color matching to the teeth. The one drawback of composite fillings is that they have a shorter lifetime than other fillings, about seven to 10 years. It is also possible to fill a cavity with only glass ionomer. Glass ionomer fillings are tooth-colored, just like composite fillings. However, since they are not reinforced with acrylic resin, parents can expect to get about five years out of them.

Considering that each dental restoration is color-matched to the decayed tooth and those surrounding it, parents often prefer them over metal fillings. Dentists almost always recommend them for filling cavities in visible areas of the smile, such as the front teeth.