White Fillings vs Silver Fillings in London: What to Know Before You Replace

If you have older silver-coloured fillings and have been wondering whether to replace them with tooth-coloured alternatives, you are not alone. Many patients across London ask about the differences between white composite fillings and traditional silver amalgam fillings — and whether switching is worthwhile. This article provides a balanced overview of both materials, outlines what may influence the decision, and explains what to expect if replacement is discussed with your dentist. This information is intended as general guidance and does not replace a clinical examination or personalised advice.

What Are White Composite Fillings?

White fillings are made from a composite resin — a blend of fine glass particles and a tooth-coloured plastic matrix. The material is applied directly to the prepared cavity and bonded to the remaining tooth structure using an adhesive technique. This bonding process can help to support the walls of the tooth, which is one of the reasons composite has become a widely used restorative material.

One of the practical advantages of composite resin is that it can be closely matched to the shade of your natural teeth. Your dentist selects from a range of colours to find the closest match, so the filling blends in rather than standing out. This makes white composite fillings in London a popular choice for teeth that are visible when you smile or speak.

It is worth noting that composite fillings are technique-sensitive — the placement process requires careful moisture control and layering to achieve a durable result. The suitability of composite for any given tooth depends on factors including the size of the cavity, the location in the mouth, and the biting forces that will act on the restoration.

What Are Silver Amalgam Fillings?

Silver amalgam fillings have been used in dentistry for well over a century. They are made from a mixture of metals — typically silver, tin, copper and a small amount of mercury, which binds the other metals together. Once set, amalgam forms a hard, robust restoration that has a long track record of clinical use.

Amalgam fillings have certain practical advantages. They are generally considered durable under heavy chewing forces, which is why they were traditionally placed in back teeth. They also tend to be less sensitive to moisture during placement, making them somewhat forgiving in difficult clinical situations.

However, amalgam fillings are silver-grey in colour and can darken over time, making them quite noticeable — particularly in teeth that are visible when you open your mouth widely. They do not bond to the tooth in the same adhesive way that composite does, which means the cavity preparation may sometimes involve removing slightly more tooth structure to create a shape that holds the filling in place mechanically.

It is important to understand that an existing amalgam filling does not automatically need replacing simply because it is made of amalgam. If the filling is intact, well-sealed and the tooth around it is healthy, there may be no clinical reason to intervene. Your dentist will advise you based on examination findings.

Why Some Patients in London Ask to Replace Silver Fillings

There are several reasons patients enquire about replacing older metal fillings with tooth-coloured alternatives:

• Aesthetic concerns — silver fillings can be visible when you laugh, yawn or open your mouth during conversation. Many patients simply prefer the appearance of fillings that match their natural teeth, particularly in premolar teeth that can catch the light.
• Signs of wear or damage — over the years, an amalgam filling may develop cracks at its margins, or the tooth around it may show signs of stress fractures. New tooth decay can sometimes develop around or beneath an older filling, which may prompt replacement.
• Desire for a metal-free approach — some patients prefer to avoid metal-based restorations as a personal preference, even when existing fillings are functioning adequately.
• A more uniform smile — patients considering other cosmetic or restorative work may wish to address visible metal fillings at the same time to achieve a more cohesive overall result.

It is worth emphasising that replacement is usually discussed when there is a clinical reason — such as decay, fracture or a failing restoration — or when a patient has a clear aesthetic preference and understands the considerations involved. Replacing a well-functioning filling purely for cosmetic reasons is a personal decision that should be made after a thorough discussion with your dentist about the potential benefits and any risks.

How Your Dentist Assesses Whether Replacement Is Appropriate

Before recommending that an existing filling be replaced, your dentist will carry out a careful assessment. This typically involves examining several factors:

• Remaining tooth structure — how much healthy tooth is left around and beneath the existing filling. If a large portion of the tooth has already been filled, the approach to replacement may differ.
• Size and depth of the current filling — very large or deep fillings may not always be best replaced with composite alone. In some cases, an onlay or crown may provide better long-term support for the tooth.
• Bite pattern and chewing forces — teeth that bear heavy biting loads require restorations that can withstand those forces reliably.
• Signs of cracks, leakage or decay — clinical and radiographic examination can reveal problems that are not visible to the patient, such as decay forming beneath an old filling.

Your dentist will talk through the findings with you and explain which options may be suitable. You are always welcome to ask questions, request time to consider the information, or seek a second opinion before proceeding. At our cosmetic dental clinic in South Kensington, we believe that informed patients make the most confident decisions about their care.

What Happens If You Replace a Silver Filling with a White Filling?

If you and your dentist agree that replacing an amalgam filling with composite is appropriate, the procedure generally follows these steps:

1. Anaesthetic — local anaesthetic is administered where appropriate to ensure comfort throughout the treatment. You may feel a brief sensation as the anaesthetic takes effect.
2. Careful removal of the old filling — the dentist uses a handpiece to remove the existing amalgam and any decayed or weakened tooth material. Care is taken to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
3. Preparation and isolation — the cavity is cleaned and prepared. Moisture control is important for composite bonding, so the area is kept dry during placement.
4. Placement and shaping — composite resin is applied in layers, with each layer shaped to rebuild the tooth's natural form. A curing light is used to harden each layer before the next is added.
5. Bite check and polish — once the filling is complete, the dentist checks your bite to ensure it feels comfortable and polishes the surface to create a smooth, natural finish.

You may feel vibration and pressure during the procedure, but anaesthetic is used to maintain comfort. Some temporary sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks is common in the days following treatment and usually improves on its own. If sensitivity persists or worsens, contact your dentist for advice.

Potential Benefits and Limitations of White Composite Fillings

Like any dental material, composite resin has both strengths and limitations. Understanding these can help you have a more informed conversation with your dentist.

Potential Benefits

• Natural appearance — composite can be shade-matched to blend with your surrounding teeth, making the filling virtually unnoticeable in many cases.
• Adhesive bonding — the material bonds directly to tooth tissue, which can help support the remaining tooth structure and may allow for a more conservative preparation compared with some alternatives.
• Versatility — composite can be used for fillings of various sizes and can also be used to repair chips or reshape teeth.
• Metal-free — for patients who prefer to avoid metal-based restorations, composite offers a tooth-coloured alternative.

Limitations

• Not always suitable for very large restorations — in cases where a significant portion of the tooth needs rebuilding, an onlay, inlay or crown may offer greater strength and longevity than a direct composite filling.
• Technique-sensitive placement — achieving a durable composite restoration requires careful moisture control and precise layering. The skill and experience of the dentist play an important role in the outcome.
• Possible staining or wear over time — composite can gradually pick up stains from tea, coffee, red wine and other strongly coloured foods. The surface may also wear slightly over the years, though polishing can often refresh the appearance.
• No guaranteed lifespan — no filling material can be guaranteed to last a specific number of years. Longevity depends on many factors, including the size of the restoration, oral hygiene, diet and biting habits.

Talking Through Your Options Before You Decide

Deciding whether to replace existing fillings is a personal choice that should be made with full information. Here are some questions you may find helpful to discuss with your dentist:

• Is there a clinical reason to replace this filling now, or is it functioning well?
• What material would you recommend for my situation, and why?
• What are the alternatives to a direct composite filling for this tooth?
• How should I care for the new filling to help it last?
• What are the costs involved, and are there different options at different price points?

There is no need to feel rushed. If your existing fillings are currently sound, you have time to consider the information, ask questions, and decide at your own pace. The most suitable approach is always personalised — what works well for one patient may not be the right choice for another, which is why a thorough assessment and open discussion are so important.

If you would like to explore whether replacing your silver fillings with tooth-coloured composite is appropriate for your teeth, we welcome you to discuss whether white fillings are suitable for your teeth at our South Kensington clinic. Your dentist will carry out a comprehensive examination, talk through the findings, and help you understand all the options available to you — so that any decision you make is one you feel confident about.