Amalgam fillings... good or bad?

Riot_Rain

Hey guys... Quick question: I've got to have two fillings and while the previous country I lived in only did white fillings, the country I am living in now (Austria) only provides amalgam fillings on the national health insurance (which isn't cheap!). I now have to decide whether I want the cheap option or the expensive one (240 Euros for 2 fillings). I'll be paying back my savings account for 7-8 months if I choose the expensive option.

So.... are amalgam fillings bad, a thing of the past, fine, excellent? Should I go for white fillings (it's for two molars), even if it costs me?

Any thoughts appreciated!