For decades, a filling meant a silver one. Today most fillings placed in Australia are tooth-coloured, and the old silver amalgam is being steadily phased out worldwide. If you are choosing between them, or wondering whether to replace old silver fillings, it helps to understand how the two materials actually compare rather than relying on rumour.
There is one piece of context worth knowing up front. In November 2025, the parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury agreed a global phase-out of dental amalgam by 2034, reflecting environmental concerns about mercury rather than a finding that existing fillings are unsafe. Amalgam is still permitted where clinically necessary, but its use is declining quickly.
Key takeaways
- White (composite) fillings are tooth-coloured and bond to the tooth. Silver (amalgam) fillings are a durable mercury alloy.
- Composite looks natural and lets the dentist remove less healthy tooth. Amalgam is very hard-wearing.
- Amalgam is being phased out globally by 2034 for environmental reasons, and is already restricted for children and pregnant women in Australia.
- Existing amalgam fillings do not usually need replacing unless they are failing.
- For most situations today, a well-placed composite filling is the standard choice.
White (composite) fillings
Composite resin is a tooth-coloured material that is bonded directly to the tooth and hardened with a curing light. Its biggest advantages are appearance and conservation. Because it bonds to the tooth, the dentist can remove only the decayed part and keep more of the healthy structure, which is the modern, minimally invasive approach. It is the obvious choice for any visible tooth.
The trade-offs are that composite is technique-sensitive to place well, can take a little longer, and on very large fillings in heavy-load back teeth it may not last quite as long as amalgam once did. For larger cavities, your dentist may suggest an inlay, onlay, or crown instead.
Silver (amalgam) fillings
Amalgam is a long-established alloy of mercury with silver, tin, and copper. Its strength is durability. It withstands heavy chewing forces well and is forgiving to place, even in a slightly moist environment, which is why it served back teeth so reliably for so long. Its downsides are its obvious dark appearance, the need to remove more healthy tooth to hold it in place mechanically, and the mercury content that drives the environmental phase-down.
How they compare
| Feature | White (composite) | Silver (amalgam) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Matches the tooth | Dark and visible |
| Bonds to tooth | Yes | No (held mechanically) |
| Healthy tooth removed | Less | More |
| Durability on big back fillings | Very good | Excellent |
| Mercury content | None | Yes |
| Availability | Standard | Being phased out |
Are silver fillings safe?
This is the question patients ask most. Major health authorities consider amalgam fillings safe for the general population, and the mercury is bound within a stable alloy. The global phase-down is driven mainly by mercury as an environmental pollutant, not by a conclusion that fillings in your mouth are harming you. As a precaution, Australia already restricts amalgam for children under 15 and for pregnant and breastfeeding women. If you have amalgam fillings that are intact and not causing problems, they generally do not need to be removed. Drilling out a sound filling removes healthy tooth unnecessarily.
Should you replace old silver fillings?
Replace an amalgam filling when there is a clinical reason: decay underneath, a crack, wear, or the filling is leaking or breaking down. Replacing one purely for appearance is a reasonable personal choice for a visible tooth, but it is cosmetic rather than necessary. Your dentist can show you which of your fillings are sound and which are starting to fail, often with the help of X-rays.
What does a filling cost?
Cost depends on the size and number of surfaces, and composite and amalgam are priced similarly for small fillings. For general Australian market ranges, see our dental filling cost guide, and for how cover works, does health insurance cover dental. The best way to keep filling costs down over a lifetime is to prevent decay in the first place, which our guide on cavities and prevention covers.
Frequently asked questions
Are white fillings as strong as silver?
For small and medium fillings, modern composite performs very well. For very large cavities in back teeth, your dentist may recommend an onlay or crown rather than a large filling of either material.
Do I need to remove my amalgam fillings?
Not unless they are failing or there is decay underneath. Intact amalgam fillings are considered safe and removing them needlessly sacrifices healthy tooth.
How long do white fillings last?
Typically 5 to 10 years or more depending on size, location, and your oral hygiene. Good home care and regular checks extend their life.
Why is amalgam being phased out?
Mainly for environmental reasons, because mercury is a pollutant. A global agreement set 2034 as the phase-out date. It is already restricted for children and pregnant women in Australia.
Is mercury in fillings dangerous?
Health authorities regard amalgam as safe for the general population because the mercury is locked in a stable alloy. The phase-down is environmental, not a verdict on existing fillings.
If you need a filling or want your old fillings checked, our team at Lumi Dental in Melrose Park places tooth-coloured fillings as standard. Book a check-up or see current offers, with a written quote before any treatment.
