Well, admittedly gold and porcelain last almost a lifetime and are apparently better for large cavities on the chewing teeth, but I'm hearing that composites can also be very durable.

E.g. I have had some composites for 13 years and only just got them replaced with porcelain...not bad going eh? They seem to be improving on them all the time and they last far longer than people realise.

Certainly someone on a low budget is not going to be able to opt for rolls royce dental materials like gold or porcelain. I did and it's killing me! But I did it because I"m tired of dentists and do not really wish to go back if I can possibly help it. Plus I breath in mercury everytime I'm in there. So i figured if I get a more permanent material, it'll save more visits in the future.

But admittedly I was surprised at how durable my composites were. I think that my healthy diet has also been responsible for how much teeth have managed to hold up. Though my sickness affects them and the gums, so I have to be vigilant in my care.