is it worth paying out for white fillings?

[superdrug]

not sure what to do, can't really afford them but are they better than amalgam. need them to be strong.

They are better aesthetically where you might be able to see an amalgam filling.

They are as strong as an amalgam for certain types of cavities.

But amalgam is strong and hard wearing. Why do you want to know?

There's only a £2 difference between these and the NHS amalgam fillings at the practice I go to, my dentist did say I would need them doing again if I ever had my teeth whitened as the colours would not match.

I thought there was risk with the mecury in amalgam?

Only if its likely you will see them.

I don't think they have mercury in them any more. I may be wrong though.

It's negligable cargirl and only then if you are having them removed but that risk is minimised by the use of aspiration and a dental dam.

As my old fillings need replacing I'm having them replaced with white. More expensive but far, far better aesthetically. Also amalgam has mercury and is best avoided for that reason - I have a feeling that amalgam no longer used in many countries but hopefully a dentist will come along and clarify

I thought there was a programme on the TV recently saying that the danger of them had been underplayed in the UK?

I say this as someone who has numerous ancient fillings going back to childhood!

I think special procedures have to be followed when removing them, to avoid ingesting the mrcury.

I've got loads, but my dentist said the white ones werwn't as strong - must find someone who's happy to do it.

The media likes to 'scaremonger' with regards to amalgam. You say you have got numerous fillings? Most of the population have plenty and when do you here of people suffering form mercury poisoning related illnesses? It's been used for such a long time and has a very good safety record.