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Replacing Old Silver Amalgam Fillings With Natural-Looking White Fillings
09 Mar 2026

Replacing Old Silver Amalgam Fillings With Natural-Looking White Fillings

Introduction

Many people still have old silver amalgam fillings that were placed years ago when this was the standard material used to repair cavities. Today, more and more patients in Holborn, Tottenham Court Road, Bloomsbury, Charlotte Street and Chancery Lane are asking to replace these dark metal fillings with modern white options that are stronger, more aesthetic and metal-free. Advances in dental materials now allow us to restore teeth in a way that blends seamlessly with natural enamel while preserving more healthy tooth structure.

What Are Amalgam Fillings?

Amalgam fillings, often referred to as 'silver fillings', are made from a mixture of metals including silver, tin, copper and mercury. They have been used in dentistry for over 150 years because they are durable, cost-effective and relatively easy to place. For decades they were considered the standard solution for treating cavities, especially in back teeth.

However, amalgam fillings are dark grey in colour and can become even darker over time. This makes them very noticeable when you smile, laugh or open your mouth widely. Large amalgam fillings can also expand and contract slightly with temperature changes, which in some cases may contribute to cracks in the surrounding tooth structure.

Modern Alternatives: Composite and Ceramic White Fillings

Composite Resin Fillings

Composite resin is a tooth-coloured material that bonds directly to your tooth. It is ideal for small to medium cavities and for replacing small to moderate amalgam fillings. The material is placed in layers, shaped carefully and then hardened using a special curing light.

  • Shade-matched to your natural teeth
  • Bonded directly to enamel and dentine
  • Usually completed in a single visit
  • Minimally invasive compared to traditional techniques

Ceramic (Porcelain) Inlays and Onlays

For larger cavities or heavily restored teeth, ceramic inlays and onlays may be recommended. These restorations are custom-made in a dental laboratory or designed digitally for precision fit and long-term durability.

  • Extremely strong and long-lasting
  • Highly resistant to staining
  • Excellent colour stability over time
  • Provides additional strength to weakened teeth

Benefits of Replacing Silver Fillings

  • Natural appearance that blends with your smile
  • Preservation of more healthy tooth structure
  • Metal-free and mercury-free restoration option
  • Potential reduction in risk of future cracks
  • Improved confidence when speaking or laughing

Is It Always Necessary to Replace Amalgam?

Not every amalgam filling needs to be replaced. If a silver filling is intact, functioning well and the surrounding tooth is healthy, there may be no urgent clinical need to change it. The decision depends on aesthetics, structural integrity, decay risk and patient preference.

A thorough examination, including digital X-rays where appropriate, allows us to assess whether a filling is leaking, cracked, worn or contributing to structural weakness.

What Is Involved in Replacing a Silver Filling?

  1. Assessment and personalised treatment planning
  2. Careful removal of the old amalgam under protective protocols
  3. Cleaning and preparation of the cavity
  4. Placement of composite resin or impression/scan for ceramic restoration
  5. Final shaping, polishing and bite adjustment

Aftercare and Longevity

White fillings and ceramic restorations can last many years when properly maintained. Good oral hygiene and regular professional care are essential.

  • Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
  • Clean between teeth using floss or interdental brushes
  • Attend routine check-ups and hygiene appointments
  • Wear a nightguard if you clench or grind your teeth

Booking an Appointment in Holborn

If you are considering replacing old silver fillings with natural-looking white alternatives, we invite you to arrange a consultation.

  • Book online using our secure booking system
  • Email photos of your existing fillings for initial advice
  • Call our team directly to arrange a cosmetic assessment

Blog 2: Broken Tooth? Emergency Options for Front and Back Teeth

Is a Broken Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Breaking a tooth can be distressing and sometimes painful. In many cases, it should be treated as a dental emergency. Even if discomfort is mild at first, untreated fractures can worsen, leading to infection, sensitivity or further structural damage.

Seek Urgent Care If You Notice:

  • Severe pain or sensitivity
  • Visible nerve exposure
  • Persistent bleeding
  • A tooth that has been knocked out
  • Swelling, fever or difficulty swallowing

Common Causes of Broken Teeth

  • Biting hard foods such as ice or nuts
  • Old, large fillings weakening the tooth
  • Sports injuries or accidental trauma
  • Grinding or clenching (bruxism)
  • Sudden temperature changes

Broken Front Teeth: Cosmetic and Functional Solutions

Small Chips – Cosmetic Bonding

Minor chips can often be repaired quickly using composite bonding. The material is sculpted directly onto the tooth and polished to match the surrounding enamel.

Moderate Fractures – Veneers or Larger Bonding

If a larger portion of the tooth is damaged, a porcelain veneer or more extensive bonding may be recommended to restore shape, strength and aesthetics.

Severe Damage – Root Canal and Crown

If the fracture reaches the nerve, root canal treatment may be required to remove infected tissue, followed by a crown to protect and reinforce the tooth.

Broken Back Teeth: Durable Repair Options

  • Small fractures – tooth-coloured filling
  • Moderate damage – inlay or onlay
  • Extensive cracks – full crown
  • Nerve involvement – root canal and crown
  • Non-restorable teeth – extraction and replacement options

What To Do Immediately After Breaking a Tooth

  1. Rinse gently with warm water
  2. Keep any broken fragment in milk if possible
  3. Take appropriate over-the-counter pain relief
  4. Avoid chewing on the affected side
  5. Contact the dental practice as soon as possible

Emergency Appointment Booking

Prompt treatment can relieve pain, prevent infection and improve the chances of saving the tooth.

  • Book online using the emergency option
  • Email a description and photos
  • Call directly for immediate guidance

Blog 3: Straighter Teeth with Discreet Cfast White Braces in Central London

What Is Cfast?

Cfast (Cosmetically Focused Adult Straight Teeth) is a short-term orthodontic system designed to straighten the front ‘smile zone’ teeth using clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires. It focuses on cosmetic improvement rather than full bite correction.

Who Is Cfast Suitable For?

  • Adults and older teens
  • Mild to moderate crowding or spacing
  • Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment
  • Patients seeking cosmetic enhancement of front teeth

How Does Cfast Work?

  1. Consultation and smile assessment
  2. Digital records and personalised planning
  3. Bonding of clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires
  4. Regular adjustment visits every few weeks
  5. Retention phase with fixed or removable retainers

Advantages of Cfast White Braces

  • Discreet appearance suitable for professionals
  • Shorter treatment times in appropriate cases
  • Continuous tooth movement as a fixed system
  • Cost-effective cosmetic alignment option

Living with Cfast Braces

Most patients adapt quickly to wearing Cfast braces. Mild pressure after adjustments is normal and temporary.

  • Brush thoroughly around brackets and gumline
  • Use interdental cleaning aids
  • Avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods
  • Attend all scheduled review appointments

Starting Your Cfast Journey

If you are considering discreet braces to enhance your smile, arrange a consultation to explore whether Cfast is right for you.

  • Book online at a convenient time
  • Email photos for an initial opinion
  • Call the reception team to reserve an appointment