How Long Do White Fillings Last?

I recently had two teeth with cavities under old amalgam fillings. The new dentist redid them with composite fillings. I wonder about the longevity of the white fillings. I have a father that is a dentist and he said the dental literature indicates that composite fillings last only 6-8 years whereas amalgam at least for me are getting 15+ years. Thanks for your comments on this issue.

- Brian from Kentucky

Brian,
Composite fillings, when done right, last as long as or longer than amalgam fillings. Your dentist/father is correct that dental literature has indicated a shorter lifespan for composite fillings on back teeth, but that is older research that he is citing and doesn't reflect the current state of the art.

Also, since posterior composites are still not fully included in the standard curriculum of most dental schools (dental schools are notoriously conservative in their approach to new techniques, staying about ten to twenty years behind advances such as posterior composites and implants), dentists have to learn this on their own and so many dentists don't use correct techniques, which compromises their lifespan. So you could do a study even today that would show amalgams working much better than composites, depending on who was placing them.

If you take such good care of your dental work that amalgam fillings last 15+ years in your mouth, then composites may last even longer. They don't corrode, their margins are sealed, and the best materials have wear rates that are very similar to enamel.

Other questions:

	What is your opinion of the new Lumineers? I've been to two dentists, and one wants to do Lumineers, and the other says I should have crowns.
	Is there a way to put porcelain veneers over crowns? I have crowns across the front, but would like them whiter.
	My dentist said I have leaky fillings. I'm suspicious. What does that mean, and how can I know if that's right?
	I have one crooked front tooth that sticks out. Would porcelain veneers be good for me?
	I had a dentist recommend an all porcelain crown for my front tooth but a porcelain fused to metal crown for my molar. Why the difference?

- From your Naperville, Illinois cosmetic dentist.