We've already reported: Starting in 2025, amalgam will be completely phased out of dentistry. For decades, the silver-gray filling material was the standard solution for dental fillings—robust, durable, and, above all, cost-effective. But health concerns and environmental aspects have led to its final disappearance from the scene.
But what does this mean specifically for you as a patient? What alternatives are available that are both safe and aesthetically pleasing—and, if possible, without additional costs? The good news: Modern dentistry already offers a variety of high-quality materials that can replace amalgam. However, not every option is automatically the best choice for your individual needs.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at which filling materials are currently available, which costs are covered by health insurance, and what you should consider when choosing your new dental filling. Because your smile deserves only the best!
Review: Why will amalgam be banned from 2025?
For decades, amalgam has been a proven solution for dental fillings—stable, durable, and, above all, cost-effective. But for just as long, there have also been critical voices pointing out the material's potential risks. The biggest point of contention: mercury —a highly toxic substance that can be released in small amounts from amalgam fillings.
While scientific studies have so far provided no clear evidence of health risks in healthy adults, amalgam was banned years ago for pregnant women, children under 15, and people with kidney disease . The reason: These groups are considered particularly sensitive to mercury exposure.
But the real reason for the final ban is not the potential health risk for patients, but environmental protection .
Amalgam - A growing environmental problem
Every year , significant amounts of mercury are released into the environment through the removal of old amalgam fillings – whether via dental practices, wastewater, or landfills. Mercury is a heavy metal that accumulates in nature and can pose a long-term threat to ecosystems and human health. The EU has therefore decided that the use of amalgam is no longer acceptable.
This ban, which we've already reported on, ushers in a new era in dentistry— more environmentally friendly, sustainable, and modern . But what does this mean for you? What alternatives are available to you, and which costs will your health insurance cover? We'll explore these very questions in this article.
Which alternatives do health insurance companies cover?
Fortunately, there are modern and safe materials that are aesthetically pleasing and available as replacements free of charge – provided they meet the requirements of the health insurance companies.
Below we will show you the most important options and their respective advantages and disadvantages so that you can make the best choice for your dental health.
Composite fillings (plastic fillings) – The aesthetic solution for visible teeth
Composite fillings consist of an innovative plastic-ceramic mixture that is visually almost indistinguishable from natural tooth substance. They have long since replaced amalgam as the standard material, especially in visible areas (front and front posterior teeth).
Advantages:
- Tooth-colored appearance: The filling adapts perfectly to your teeth and is almost invisible.
- Good durability: With a lifespan of up to 10 years, composite fillings are extremely robust.
- Gentle on the substance: Compared to amalgam, less healthy tooth substance needs to be removed.
Disadvantages:
- Limited coverage: Health insurance companies only cover composite fillings for the visible tooth area.
- More complex procedure: The filling is applied in several layers, which extends the treatment time.
Conclusion: Composite fillings are an excellent choice for those who value aesthetics. They are a free and popular solution for visible teeth. However, a co-payment may be required for molars.
Glass ionomer cement fillings – The pragmatic choice for the molar area
Glass ionomer cement is a mineral-based filling that releases fluoride and thus actively contributes to caries prevention. It is particularly used when health insurance companies prescribe a free solution for the back teeth as well.
Advantages:
- Full cost coverage: Glass ionomer cement is a free alternative for all teeth, including molars.
- Additional caries protection: The material releases fluoride and can thus help prevent further tooth damage.
- Fast processing: Since it does not require a complex layering process, the treatment is completed quickly – ideal for children and seniors.
Disadvantages:
- Reduced durability: With a lifespan of only 3-5 years, this filling is not as durable as other materials.
- More brittle than composite: Because the material is less resistant, it can break more quickly under high chewing loads.
Conclusion: Glass ionomer cement is a good choice for small fillings or as a temporary solution, perhaps until a more durable denture can be made. However, those looking for a more durable alternative should consider composite.
Ceramic inlays – the premium alternative with additional payment
Ceramic inlays are among the highest quality filling materials and are particularly durable. They are custom-made in a dental laboratory and blend perfectly into your teeth.
Advantages:
- Outstanding aesthetics: Ceramic looks deceptively real and blends seamlessly with your natural tooth color.
- Extremely durable: With a durability of up to 20 years, ceramic inlays are a particularly sustainable solution.
- Biocompatible: Ceramics do not contain any metals and are therefore well tolerated, even by allergy sufferers.
Disadvantages:
- No insurance model: Health insurance companies do not cover these fillings, so you will have to pay a co-payment.
- Complex production: Ceramic inlays usually require two visits to the dentist because they have to be individually manufactured.
Bottom line: If you're willing to invest in a high-quality, long-lasting solution, ceramic inlays are the best choice. They're aesthetically pleasing, durable, and often a better long-term option than traditional fillings.
Which dental filling is best for you?
Since the decision to phase out amalgam, many patients have been faced with the question: Which filling is right for me? The answer depends on several factors – including the position of the affected tooth, the desired durability, and, of course, whether additional costs will be incurred.
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If you're looking for a free solution, then composite fillings for visible teeth and glass ionomer cement for molars are a good choice. They're functional, covered by statutory health insurance, and serve their purpose—even if they can't quite keep up with higher-quality materials in terms of durability.
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If you value a particularly long-lasting solution at no extra cost, composite fillings are the best option. They are made of a tooth-colored plastic-ceramic mixture, offer good aesthetics, and are significantly more robust than standard fillings.
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Do you desire a premium aesthetic solution with maximum durability? Then ceramic inlays are the perfect choice. They offer a perfect color match, are extremely durable, and feel like your own tooth structure. However, they require a co-payment, as they are not fully covered by statutory health insurance.
Ultimately, it's not just the aesthetics that matter, but also your well-being and the long-term health of your teeth. A personal consultation with your dentist will help you make the best decision for your individual situation.
The future of dentistry without amalgam – new ways for healthy teeth
The end of amalgam marks a new era in dentistry , in which sustainable and body-friendly materials set the standard. But does that automatically mean higher costs for you? Let's summarize: Not necessarily! Modern alternatives have long been established and offer not only health benefits but also aesthetic advantages – often at no additional cost.
One proven material is glass ionomer cement . These fillings are easy to process and are often used for temporary or minor defects. They release fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel—but they are not as durable as other materials.
If you're looking for a stable and aesthetically pleasing solution , composite fillings are an excellent choice. They consist of a mixture of plastic and fine ceramic particles, are perfectly color-matchable, and are particularly durable. Best of all, they're already covered by health insurance, with a co-payment.
For the most demanding requirements, there are ceramic fillings , which are considered a premium option. They are extremely durable, completely biocompatible, and virtually invisible – however, they usually require a co-payment or are reserved for self-payers.
No matter which alternative you choose, good dental care is crucial for long-term protection of your new fillings. Our emmi-dent ultrasonic toothbrush provides a particularly gentle yet thorough cleaning – perfect for healthy gums and resilient teeth. This way, your smile not only stays radiantly beautiful, but also remains protected for the long term.
