Understanding Silver Fillings: Composition, Uses, and Concerns

Silver teeth are typically dental amalgams, which are a mixture of metals used to fill cavities and restore damaged teeth. They are made of a combination of silver, copper, tin, and zinc, with mercury acting as a binder to hold the mixture together.

Dental amalgam has been used for over 150 years and remains a common filling material due to its durability and affordability. However, due to concerns about the potential health effects of mercury, some countries have restricted its use and are promoting alternative materials, such as composite resins.