Polishing Amalgam Fillings

I was recently at the hygienist and overheard a teenage boy asking for his occlusal silver fillings to be polished as they'd gone dark. I caught a glimpse as he laughed at the reception desk on his way out; they looked fantastic! Does your dentist or hygienist polish your amalgams? I believe different dentists have varying viewpoints on this subject. They definitely look better when polished IMO although maybe they attract more attention showing people poor hygiene around the molars? Surely it will also help reduce plaque retention as they're smoother. Would love to know everyone's thoughts 😄

I'm curious what country you are in. In the states, it's extremely rare to hear of a teenager getting silver fillings.

I have 2 silver fillings. I went to a new dentist after COVID and asked to polish my fillings because they looked dark. They didn't care too much for it. I looked for a new dentist and I didn't think the hygienist purposely does it but I do notice my silver shiny after getting a cleaning.

Personally, I think it makes the fillings look better when they have a nice polished look. It almost makes it look like it's something you would pay extra for

The UK. Amalgam is generally not allowed for children but if the dentist sees fit they can still place them. They looked like quite big fillings when he laughed; I wonder if they were the only option. The ultrasonic scaler was buzzing away in the room he came from for quite a while so I'm guessing his oral hygiene isn't great (big fillings unsurprising...)

I'm curious what country you are in. In the states, it's extremely rare to hear of a teenager getting silver fillings.

I have 2 silver fillings. I went to a new dentist after COVID and asked to polish my fillings because they looked dark. They didn't care too much for it. I looked for a new dentist and I didn't think the hygienist purposely does it but I do notice my silver shiny after getting a cleaning.

Personally, I think it makes the fillings look better when they have a nice polished look. It almost makes it look like it's something you would pay extra for

In the uk it is illegal to place amalgam filling in a child. Also it is being banned over all.