Restorative & Tooth Problems
Replacing silver (amalgam) fillings
Swapping old silver fillings for tooth-coloured ones.
Old filling
Silver amalgam
New filling
Tooth-coloured
Best reason
Clinical, not just looks
Large repairs
Crown or onlay
Overview
Silver (amalgam) fillings are strong and have been used for many years. Over time some crack, wear or leak, and many people prefer a tooth-coloured look.
Your dentist can replace a silver filling with a composite or other tooth-coloured material. Replacement is usually suggested when there is a clinical reason, not for the look alone.
What to know
- Silver fillings can crack, wear or leak with age
- Tooth-coloured fillings blend in naturally
- Replacement is best when there is a clinical reason
- Some healthy tooth is removed during the swap
- A large filling may be better as a crown or onlay
Common questions
Do I need to replace silver fillings?
Not if they are sound. Replacement is usually suggested when a filling is worn, cracked or leaking.
Are silver fillings unsafe?
Major health bodies consider them safe for most people. Many patients still prefer a tooth-coloured look.
Does replacing them harm the tooth?
Some healthy tooth is removed when an old filling comes out, so it is balanced against the benefit.
What replaces a large silver filling?
If a lot of tooth is missing, an onlay or crown may protect it better than a plain filling.
Related topics
Tooth-coloured (composite) filling
A tooth-coloured filling that repairs a tooth and blends in naturally.
Cracked / failing filling
An old or cracked filling that no longer seals or supports the tooth.
Inlay / onlay
A custom-made filling that repairs a tooth when a normal filling is not enough.
Dental crown
A custom cap that covers and protects a damaged or weakened tooth.
Dr Rick Iskandar · Reviewed June 2026