- 102 Highfield Rd, Camberwell Vic 3124
- dentist.highfieldpark@gmail.com
- 03 9836 6624
- 04 9165 1092
Most patients seeking tooth fillings in Camberwell now choose composite (white) fillings over traditional amalgam (silver) fillings. When comparing white fillings vs amalgam, white fillings offer a more natural appearance, bond directly to the tooth structure, and usually require less removal of healthy enamel. Amalgam fillings, on the other hand, remain a durable and cost-effective option but are more noticeable due to their silver colour. In this guide, we’ll compare white fillings vs amalgam, explore the pros and cons of each, discuss the costs, and answer one of the most common questions we hear: Is it safe to replace old amalgam fillings?
Composite fillings camberwell patients ask for are made from a tooth-coloured resin, a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles. The material is applied in soft layers directly into the prepared cavity and hardened with a curing light, allowing your dentist to shape and polish it to match the surrounding tooth.
Key advantages:
Amalgam fillings have been used in dentistry for well over 150 years, prized for their strength and low cost. Made from a mix of metals including silver, tin, copper, and mercury, they were once the default option for treating cavities, particularly in molars where chewing forces are highest.
Composite resin fillings emerged later, developed as cosmetic dentistry advanced and patients began asking for options that didn’t stand out when they smiled or laughed. Early composite materials weren’t as durable as amalgam, but decades of improvement in resin technology have closed that gap considerably. Today, composite is strong enough for most cavities, front or back, and is the material more Camberwell patients request by name.
| Factor | Composite (White) | Amalgam (Silver) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Blends with natural tooth colour | Visible silver-grey |
| Cost | Generally higher material and labour cost | Generally lower upfront cost |
| Durability | Very good; typically 7–10+ years with good care | Excellent; often 10–15 years |
| Safety | Mercury-free; well-tolerated by nearly all patients | Contains mercury in a stable, bound alloy; considered safe by major health bodies |
| Procedure time | Slightly longer due to layering and curing | Generally quicker to place |
Every mouth is different, so the right material for you depends on the size and location of the cavity, your bite, and your budget. We can talk through what suits your situation at your appointment.
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and it’s worth addressing honestly. Amalgam fillings that are intact and functioning well don’t need to be replaced purely for cosmetic reasons. Major dental and health authorities consider amalgam safe for continued use, and removing sound fillings unnecessarily can actually remove healthy tooth structure in the process.
That said, there are good reasons to replace an amalgam filling:
If you’re considering replacing amalgam fillings, we’ll assess the tooth first rather than replacing it as a matter of course. If removal is needed, we follow standard safe-removal protocols to minimise exposure during the process.
Tooth filling cost camberwell patients pay depends on the size of the cavity, the material used, and whether it’s a straightforward restoration or a more complex rebuild. Composite fillings typically cost more than amalgam due to the material and the additional time needed to place and shape it. We provide a clear quote at your consultation before any work begins.
Yes. Composite resin is shade-matched to your existing teeth and can be sculpted and polished to mimic the texture and translucency of natural enamel, making it very difficult to spot once placed.
With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, composite fillings commonly last 7 to 10 years or more, though this varies based on the location of the filling and chewing habits like teeth grinding.
Whether you have a new cavity to treat or you’re considering filling replacement, our Camberwell team can talk you through the best option for your tooth and your budget. If a filling isn’t enough to restore the tooth, we may also discuss dental crowns and bridges or, in cases involving deeper decay, root canal treatment. Book your appointment today and let’s get your smile sorted.
At Dentist on Highfield Park, we’re dedicated to providing quality dental and specialist care for the whole family.
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