What's the difference between resin and gold for cavity fillings?

The advantages of resin are that it closely matches the natural tooth color so it is hardly noticeable, and treatment is finished in a single visit. Gold (gold inlay) offers excellent strength and durability, which is an advantage in areas that bear heavy chewing forces. In general, 1) for small cavities or visible areas like front teeth, we use resin, and 2) for larger cavities on molars, we use inlays (gold, ceramic, etc.) that are custom-fabricated from an impression. A gold inlay requires 2 visits - one for the impression and one for cementation. Cost and insurance coverage vary by material, so we will discuss the options with you after diagnosis.