<prompt> Human: Okay, this isnt too long. So, for many years I did not properly take care of my teeth. A month ago, I had a bad toothache from an impacted tooth and decided it was time to start taking care of my teeth. Found a dentist, got a full work up, etc. I needed dental scaling and four fillings. Nothing insane, so I just kind of went along for the ride, they scheduled me for appointments, I showed up, etc. Now I have dental insurance that pays 80 for these services. I get my fillings done, and have my last scaling appointment today. As I am leaving, the receptionist tells me that I owe over 500 for my fillings because the insurance only approved an alternate benefit for a silver filling, and they had used an amalgam filling. At no point was I told there was a cheaper option, and based on my Google-Fu, this is a common occurrence that the dentist and the receptionist should have been able to warn me about or give me some type of choice. Is there anything I can do? I feel a little cheated.  <response>: Two things1 Amalgam fillings are silver, composite fillings are the white ones2 Dental office should charge out for the work they performed and the insurance will downgrade it to the amalgam price and you should be liable for the difference.I would start looking for a new dentist. Even though it is the patients responsibility to understand your insurance and what is covered, it is just bad business for the office not to bring it to your attention when giving you a treatment plan. 