Should I get amalgam or tooth-colored fillings on bicuspids?

[cloudeleven]

I'm getting fillings this afternoon on teeth #4 and 5 (two surfaces on each tooth), and I'm not sure if I should get amalgam or composite fillings on them. I'm leaning toward amalgam due to their durability (I have some amalgam fillings that have lasted over 20 years). The most important thing to me is durability. On the other hand, more tooth structure is removed to place amalgam fillings, and I've heard amalgam fillings expand over time, so I'm not sure which type to get. Any advice?

 

[comfortdentist]

Both work when placed correctly. White or composite fillings slightly reduce risk of teeth cracking after many years and they don't stain the teeth grey, but apolished amalgam can last many many years while a poorly placed composite will leak immediately.