If you've just been told you need a filling, or you're looking at an old silver filling and wondering about your options, you're not alone. At Hocking Dental Care we get asked about tooth coloured fillings almost every week. This guide explains what they are, how they're placed, and how they stack up against the older silver amalgam fillings many of us grew up with.
We'll keep things simple and practical, the way we'd explain it to you in the chair.
What are tooth coloured fillings?
Tooth coloured fillings are usually made from a material called composite resin. It's a mix of fine glass or ceramic particles held in a plastic-like resin, and it can be shade-matched to sit close to your natural tooth colour.
Unlike the old silver fillings, composite doesn't just sit in the hole in your tooth. It bonds to the tooth surface, which generally means less healthy tooth needs to be shaped away to hold it in place. That's one reason composite has become the common choice for fillings on front teeth, and for many back teeth as well.
At Hocking Dental Care, tooth-coloured fillings are one of the treatments we offer as part of our everyday general dentistry, alongside check-ups and cleans. You can read more about how we approach this on our fillings page.
How we place a tooth coloured filling
The process is fairly straightforward, and we talk you through each stage before we start.
- We numb the area with a local anaesthetic, so you're comfortable while we work.
- Any decay or old filling material is gently removed.
- The tooth is cleaned and prepared, keeping as much healthy tooth as we reasonably can.
- The composite is applied in layers and set firm using a special curing light.
- The filling is shaped and polished so your bite feels right.
We use an intraoral camera during many appointments, which puts a photo of your tooth up on the screen beside the chair. That way you can see what we're looking at, rather than just taking our word for it. If you're a bit nervous about the whole process, let us know on your booking form. We'll take more time, explain each step as we go, and you're welcome to ask us to pause at any point.
White fillings vs amalgam: what's actually different
Amalgam is the older silver-grey filling material, made from a mix of metals including mercury, bound into a stable alloy. It has been used in dentistry for a long time and has a long track record for durability, particularly in back teeth that take a lot of chewing force.
Why people move towards white fillings
The most obvious difference is appearance. Composite can be matched closely to your natural tooth shade, so it blends in rather than standing out as a grey or silver patch. Many people also prefer that composite bonds to the tooth, which can mean less tooth structure needs to be removed during preparation compared with the mechanical retention amalgam relies on.
Where amalgam still gets used
Amalgam isn't banned, and it isn't going anywhere overnight. Some dentists still consider it useful in certain situations, particularly larger restorations in back molars where strength under heavy biting load matters most. The right material for your tooth depends on things like the size of the cavity, its location, and your own preferences, which is exactly why a proper check-up and a chat with your dentist matters more than a one-size-fits-all answer.
Is amalgam safe?
This question comes up a lot, and it's a fair one to ask. The Australian Dental Association's position is that dental amalgam is a safe and effective filling material, and that sound amalgam fillings don't need to be routinely replaced just because they contain mercury. Dental materials in Australia, including both amalgam and composite, are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, which sets safety and quality standards before any material can be used in dental practices. If you have an old amalgam filling that isn't causing you any problems, there's generally no clinical reason to have it swapped out. If you're ever unsure, it's worth raising with your dentist at your next check-up rather than guessing.
Tooth coloured fillings cost: what affects the price
We can't quote you a figure without seeing the tooth, and we wouldn't want to guess, because the cost of a filling depends on a few real factors.
- How many tooth surfaces need to be filled
- Whether it's a small cavity or a larger one needing more rebuilding
- Where the tooth sits in your mouth, and how visible it is
- Whether any decay needs treating first
What we can promise is a clear process. Before any filling goes ahead, our team gives you a written estimate with item numbers, so you know exactly what's being proposed and can check it against your health fund. Hocking Dental Care is a preferred provider for HBF, Medibank, HCF, nib and Bupa, and being a preferred provider usually means a smaller gap for you to pay, though it's never free. We use HICAPS so you can claim on the spot for these funds, and if you're with a different fund, you can usually still claim afterwards. For more detail on how claiming and rebates generally work, our fees and rebates page is a good place to start, and it's worth checking your own fund's rules for current limits.
If you're due for extras, remember that most health fund extras limits reset on 31 December, though it's worth checking your own fund's reset date to be sure.
How long will your filling last?
How long any filling lasts depends on things like its size, its position in your mouth, and how well it's looked after. We've written a separate, more detailed guide on this if you'd like to understand the factors involved and what you can do to help a filling last as long as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Do tooth coloured fillings need a needle?
Most fillings are done with a local anaesthetic injection to numb the area first. In some cases laser dentistry may mean a procedure can sometimes be done without an injection, though this depends on the situation and isn't guaranteed for every filling.
Can I get my old amalgam fillings replaced with white fillings?
Yes, this is a common request, often for appearance reasons. If your amalgam filling is sound and not causing problems, replacement is a personal choice rather than a medical necessity, so it's worth discussing what's involved with your dentist first.
Are white fillings as strong as amalgam?
Composite materials have improved a lot over the years and work well for most everyday fillings. For very large restorations on heavy-biting back teeth, your dentist might discuss other options with you depending on your situation.
Will a filling hurt?
You'll be numb during the procedure itself. Afterwards it's normal to have some mild sensitivity for a short time, and over-the-counter pain relief following the directions on the pack, or a chat with your pharmacist, usually helps. If you ever get spreading facial swelling, fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing, that needs urgent attention at a hospital emergency department.
Can children have tooth coloured fillings?
Yes, composite fillings are commonly used for children as part of general family dentistry. Eligible children may be able to access care under the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule, and it's worth checking current eligibility and rules directly with Services Australia.
If you think you might need a filling, or you'd simply like a check-up to see how your teeth are doing, we're happy to help. At Hocking Dental Care we see the same dentists each visit, take the time to explain what we see, and give you costs in writing before anything starts. New to the practice? Our new patients page covers what to expect at your first visit. You can choose a time online through our booking page, or call our Hocking Dental Care team on (08) 9306 2755 to get started.
