Traditional silver fillings, also called dental amalgams, are made of silver, tin, copper, and mercury. White or tooth-colored fillings, called resin composite fillings, are made of plastic or ceramic. Each type has advantages, and it’s good for patients to know which one to choose and when. Because silver fillings are stronger, more durable and less expensive, they’re typically the best choice for hardworking teeth like molars. The advantage of ceramic and plastic fillings is that they are more aesthetic, blending into the tooth seamlessly and hiding the fact that a filling is there in the first place.