White Fillings vs Silver Fillings:
Which Is Right for You?
Compare composite and amalgam fillings — materials, safety, longevity and costs at Dental Clinic London, South Kensington.
If you need a filling — or you’re considering replacing old metal fillings — understanding the difference between white composite fillings and traditional silver amalgam is important. Both materials have been used in dentistry for decades, but they differ significantly in composition, aesthetics, tooth preservation and safety profile. At Dental Clinic London, we are a mercury-free general dentistry practice — we exclusively use tooth-coloured composite fillings and actively help patients replace old amalgam restorations. The right filling material depends on a clinical assessment of your tooth. Book a consultation to discuss your options.
White Fillings vs Silver Fillings at a Glance
| Feature | White (Composite) | Silver (Amalgam) |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Tooth-coloured composite resin (BPA-free) | Amalgam — mix of mercury, silver, tin and copper |
| Procedure Type | Restorative & cosmetic | Restorative only |
| Treatment Time | 30–45 minutes per filling | 30–45 minutes per filling |
| Strength | Good — bonds to and reinforces the tooth | Good — does not bond or reinforce the tooth |
| Aesthetics | Tooth-coloured, virtually invisible | Silver-grey, clearly visible |
| Cost (UK) | From £185 (small) to £325 (large) | Lower — typically NHS pricing |
| Longevity | 7–15 years | 10–15 years |
| Suitability | Front and back teeth, all cavity sizes | Back teeth only — not placed at our clinic |
What Are White Fillings?
White fillings (also called composite fillings) use a tooth-coloured BPA-free nano-hybrid composite resin to restore teeth affected by decay, chips, cracks or wear. The material is shade-matched to your natural teeth and layered directly into the cavity, with each layer hardened using a curing light. Because composite bonds adhesively to the tooth, it actively strengthens the remaining structure — unlike amalgam, which sits passively in a cavity.
A single composite filling takes 30–45 minutes. Multiple fillings can often be completed in the same appointment.
White composite fillings last 7–15 years with good oral hygiene and regular check-ups. For larger cavities, inlays and onlays offer 15–25 years.
White fillings are suitable if you:
- Have a new cavity that needs filling (any tooth, any size)
- Want to replace old silver amalgam fillings with a natural-looking alternative
- Prefer a mercury-free, BPA-free restorative material
- Want a filling that bonds to and reinforces your tooth structure
What Are Silver Fillings?
Silver fillings (dental amalgam) are a metal alloy containing approximately 50% mercury, mixed with silver, tin, copper and sometimes zinc. Amalgam has been used in dentistry for over 150 years and was once the standard filling material. It is held in place mechanically — meaning more healthy tooth structure must be removed to create undercuts that lock the filling in position. Amalgam does not bond to the tooth and does not reinforce it.
Important: Dental Clinic London is a mercury-free practice. We do not place amalgam fillings. We specialise in safe amalgam removal and replacement with modern tooth-coloured composite. If you have old silver fillings you’d like replaced, we can help.
Silver fillings were traditionally used for:
- Large cavities on back teeth (molars and premolars)
- Situations where cost was the primary concern (NHS pricing)
- Areas of heavy chewing force where early composites were less durable
- Patients who prioritised longevity over appearance
Key Differences Explained
Material & Appearance
White fillings use tooth-coloured composite resin — virtually invisible once placed. Silver fillings use metal amalgam that is clearly visible as a dark grey patch. For patients who value natural aesthetics, composite is the clear choice.
Strength & Bonding
Composite bonds adhesively to the tooth, actively reinforcing and strengthening the remaining structure. Amalgam sits passively in a mechanically prepared cavity and does not bond to or strengthen the tooth.
Tooth Preservation
Because composite bonds directly, less healthy tooth needs to be drilled away. Amalgam requires wider, deeper preparation to create undercuts for mechanical retention — meaning more natural tooth is lost.
Longevity
Amalgam fillings last 10–15 years. Modern composite fillings last 7–15 years — a gap that has narrowed significantly with material advances. For maximum longevity on larger restorations, porcelain inlays and onlays offer 15–25 years.
Cost
Amalgam is cheaper, often available at NHS rates. Composite is more technique-sensitive and uses premium materials — small fillings from £185, medium from £245, large from £325 at our clinic.
Tooth Location
Modern composites perform well on both front and back teeth. Amalgam was traditionally reserved for back teeth where aesthetics mattered less. At Dental Clinic London, we use composite exclusively — for every tooth, every situation.
Pros & Cons
White Fillings (Composite)
Advantages
- Tooth-coloured and virtually invisible — blends with natural teeth
- Mercury-free and BPA-free — safe, biocompatible material
- Bonds directly to the tooth, reinforcing and strengthening it
- Less drilling required — preserves more healthy tooth structure
- Completed in a single visit (30–45 minutes)
- Can be repaired in situ without full replacement
- Versatile — treats cavities, replaces amalgam, repairs chips and closes gaps
Limitations
- Slightly shorter lifespan than amalgam (7–15 years vs 10–15 years)
- Higher cost than NHS amalgam fillings
- Can stain over time from coffee, tea, red wine or smoking
- For very large cavities, an inlay, onlay or crown may be more durable
Silver Fillings (Amalgam)
Advantages
- Long track record — used in dentistry for over 150 years
- Lifespan of 10–15 years in favourable conditions
- Lower cost through NHS pricing
- Withstands heavy chewing forces on back teeth
Limitations
- Contains approximately 50% mercury
- Silver-grey colour — clearly visible when you smile or laugh
- Requires more healthy tooth to be removed for mechanical retention
- Does not bond to the tooth — does not reinforce the remaining structure
- Can expand and contract with temperature, potentially causing micro-cracks
- Cannot be repaired — entire filling must be replaced if it fails
- Not placed at Dental Clinic London — we are a mercury-free practice
Cost Comparison
Transparent pricing at Dental Clinic London. All fees are for private treatment at our South Kensington clinic.
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| New Patient Consultation | £30 |
| White Filling — Small (1 surface) | From £185 |
| White Filling — Medium (2 surfaces) | From £245 |
| White Filling — Large (3+ surfaces) | From £325 |
| Amalgam Replacement Filling | From £185 |
| Inlay or Onlay (Porcelain / Composite) | From £995 |
| Dental Crown | From £995 |
Silver amalgam fillings are available at some NHS practices at Band 2 pricing (currently £77.70). However, amalgam is not placed at Dental Clinic London. See our full fee guide for more details. 0% finance available on selected treatments.
Which Option Is Best for You?
Best for Aesthetics
→ White Fillings
Composite is shade-matched to your natural teeth and virtually invisible once placed. Silver amalgam is clearly visible as a dark grey patch — particularly noticeable on lower teeth and when laughing or yawning.
Best for Back Teeth Durability
→ White Fillings (modern composites)
Modern nano-hybrid composites are now suitable for back teeth and withstand normal chewing forces well. For very large cavities where maximum strength is needed, your dentist may recommend a porcelain inlay, onlay or crown instead.
Best for Minimal Tooth Removal
→ White Fillings
Composite bonds adhesively, so less healthy tooth needs to be drilled away. Amalgam requires wider preparation for mechanical retention. If preserving natural tooth structure matters to you, composite is the better choice.
Best for Affordability
→ NHS Amalgam (not available at our clinic)
NHS amalgam fillings are cheaper at Band 2 pricing. However, our composite fillings start from just £185 and offer significant advantages in aesthetics, bonding and mercury-free safety. Many patients consider the difference worthwhile.
If your old amalgam filling is failing, cracked or you simply want it replaced, our restorative dentistry team can help. For larger restorations, ask about dental crowns or inlays and onlays.
Recovery & Aftercare
White composite fillings require no downtime — you can eat and drink as soon as the numbness wears off (usually 1–2 hours). To maximise the life of your filling:
Daily Care
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily — including either side of the filled tooth
- Avoid biting hard objects (ice, pen caps, fingernails)
- Limit staining foods and drinks (coffee, tea, red wine)
Professional Monitoring
- Attend check-ups at least twice a year
- Regular hygienist visits help maintain both fillings and gum health
- If decay reaches the nerve, a filling alone may not suffice — root canal treatment may be needed before placing a new restoration
- Mild sensitivity for a few days is normal — contact us if it persists beyond two weeks
- Composite fillings can be polished or repaired at routine appointments if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Replace Your Silver Fillings?
Book a consultation at Dental Clinic London. Whether you need a new filling or want to replace old amalgam with modern tooth-coloured composite, our team will assess your teeth and recommend the best approach for your situation. Get in touch to arrange your appointment.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute personalised dental advice. Individual diagnosis and treatment recommendations require a clinical examination by a qualified dental professional. All treatment outcomes vary by patient. Prices shown are starting prices and may vary depending on complexity. Dental Clinic London is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the General Dental Council (GDC).