If you’ve ever smiled in the mirror and noticed a tiny flash of metallic silver in the back of your mouth, you’re not alone. Silver amalgam fillings were once the gold standard (pun intended) for fixing cavities. But let’s be real—nothing says “1990s dental work” quite like a shiny patch of metal in an otherwise pearly smile.

Today, people want more than just functionality; they want style, subtlety, and confidence. That’s why tooth coloured fillings are quickly replacing the old-school silver kind. In Brisbane especially, where image and lifestyle go hand-in-hand with sunny café culture, more patients are choosing this modern, natural-looking option.

What Are Tooth Coloured Fillings?

Tooth coloured fillings, also called composite or white fillings, are made from a mix of fine glass particles and resin. Unlike silver amalgam, they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth—so good that even your dentist might forget where they placed it.

Think of it as dental camouflage. You get the strength you need to chew a steak, without sacrificing the clean, natural vibe of your smile.

Why Silver Amalgam Had Its Time

Silver amalgam fillings were the dental world’s workhorse. They were:

• Cheap
• Durable
• Easy to place

But here’s the catch: they’re not exactly Instagram-worthy. Silver fillings darken over time, can cause teeth to crack due to expansion, and let’s face it—they don’t scream “modern dental care.”

Brisbane dentists are seeing a cultural shift: people don’t just want healthy teeth, they want good-looking healthy teeth. That’s where tooth coloured fillings win.

The Big Switch: Why People Choose Tooth Coloured Fillings

Here’s why tooth coloured fillings are becoming the default choice in Brisbane:

• Aesthetics: They look natural, so no one can tell you’ve had work done.
• Bonding Power: They bond directly to the tooth, making it stronger.
• Less Drilling: Dentists often remove less tooth structure compared to amalgam.
• Mercury-Free: Silver fillings contain mercury—while considered safe, it still raises eyebrows.
• Confidence Boost: You can laugh at a rooftop bar without worrying about flashing silver.

Cost Comparison: Tooth Coloured vs Silver Amalgam

Let’s talk dollars, because we all know dental bills aren’t anyone’s favourite topic.

While tooth coloured fillings may cost slightly more upfront, the investment is in both appearance and confidence. And let’s be honest—no one wants their dental work to double as a disco ball.

Are They Durable Enough?

You might be wondering: “Okay, they look good, but will they last?”

Yes. Tooth coloured fillings are highly durable, especially for small to medium cavities. For back molars with heavy chewing, silver used to be stronger, but new-generation composites are catching up fast. In fact, many Brisbane dentists report that today’s composites easily last 10 years or more with good care.

The Health Perspective

Beyond looks, some patients are concerned about mercury in silver amalgam fillings. While research suggests amalgam is safe, the trend in modern dentistry leans toward safer, mercury-free materials.

Tooth coloured fillings also don’t expand and contract with temperature changes the way silver does, reducing the risk of cracked teeth down the track.

For more detailed insights into dental materials and health safety, you can check out this Australian Dental Association resource.

Why Brisbane Patients Love the Upgrade

Lifestyle matters. When you’re sipping flat whites in West End, grabbing acai bowls in Fortitude Valley, or networking at a corporate lunch in the CBD, confidence is everything. Nobody wants their smile interrupted by silver glints.

That’s why Brisbane patients—from young professionals to parents—are upgrading their old fillings to tooth coloured ones. It’s about looking polished, modern, and in sync with today’s aesthetics.

A Personal Take

I’ll admit it—I had an old silver filling in a back molar for years. Every time I laughed too hard at a joke, I was low-key worried someone would notice. When I switched to a tooth coloured filling, it was like night and day. Now I don’t think twice about flashing a grin, and honestly, that’s priceless.

Conclusion: Time to Modernise Your Smile

The shift from silver amalgam to tooth coloured fillings isn’t just about vanity—it’s about confidence, health, and embracing modern dentistry. They look better, feel better, and fit seamlessly into a lifestyle where appearances matter as much as functionality.

If you’ve got a mix of old and new in your mouth, maybe it’s time to modernise. Talk to your dentist about upgrading to tooth coloured fillings and see how something so small can make a big difference to your smile.

FAQs About Tooth Coloured Fillings