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When you need a filling, one of the most common questions is whether to choose white (composite) or silver (amalgam). Both materials effectively restore teeth damaged by decay, but they differ in appearance, strength, longevity, and the amount of tooth preparation required.
White composite fillings are tooth-coloured and bond directly to the tooth, preserving more natural structure. Silver amalgam fillings are a metal alloy that has been used in dentistry for over 150 years and remains one of the strongest filling materials available. The most suitable option depends on the size and location of the cavity, the biting forces involved, and your personal preferences.
This guide explains the key differences to help you make an informed decision. The best filling material will always depend on a clinical assessment by your dentist.
| Feature | White Fillings (Composite) | Silver Fillings (Amalgam) |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | Composite resin (tooth-coloured) | Amalgam (silver-coloured metal alloy) |
| Appearance | Tooth-coloured — blends with natural teeth | Metallic silver — visible in the mouth |
| Strength and Durability | Good — suitable for small to medium cavities | Very strong — withstands heavy biting forces |
| Aesthetic Result | Excellent — virtually invisible when placed | Functional — clearly visible as a metallic filling |
| Treatment Time | Slightly longer — requires moisture-free bonding | Quicker to place in most cases |
| Cost (at Our Practice) | From £92.50 (member) / £185 per filling | Generally lower cost per filling |
| Longevity | 5–15 years depending on size and location | 10–15 years or more in some cases |
| Tooth Preparation Required | Minimal — bonds directly to tooth structure | More removal — requires mechanical retention |
| Suitability | Front and back teeth — small to medium cavities | Back teeth — large cavities under heavy load |
Material Type
White
Composite resin (tooth-coloured)
Silver
Amalgam (silver-coloured metal alloy)
Appearance
White
Tooth-coloured — blends with natural teeth
Silver
Metallic silver — visible in the mouth
Strength and Durability
White
Good — suitable for small to medium cavities
Silver
Very strong — withstands heavy biting forces
Aesthetic Result
White
Excellent — virtually invisible when placed
Silver
Functional — clearly visible as a metallic filling
Treatment Time
White
Slightly longer — requires moisture-free bonding
Silver
Quicker to place in most cases
Cost (at Our Practice)
White
From £92.50 (member) / £185 per filling
Silver
Generally lower cost per filling
Longevity
White
5–15 years depending on size and location
Silver
10–15 years or more in some cases
Tooth Preparation Required
White
Minimal — bonds directly to tooth structure
Silver
More removal — requires mechanical retention
Suitability
White
Front and back teeth — small to medium cavities
Silver
Back teeth — large cavities under heavy load
White fillings for repairing cavities and minor tooth damage use a tooth-coloured composite resin that is carefully matched to the natural shade of your teeth. The material is applied in layers, shaped to restore the tooth's natural form, and hardened with a curing light. The result is a filling that blends seamlessly with the surrounding tooth structure.
Unlike amalgam, composite resin bonds directly to the tooth surface. This means less healthy tooth structure needs to be removed during preparation, and the filling helps to reinforce the remaining tooth. White fillings are suitable for both front and back teeth and are the most commonly requested filling material in modern private dentistry.
White composite fillings are suitable for most patients needing to repair small to medium cavities in both front and back teeth. They are the preferred option for patients who want a natural-looking result and for those who prefer a mercury-free material. Your dentist will assess the size and location of the cavity to confirm that composite is the most appropriate material.
Silver fillings, also known as dental amalgam, are a metal alloy traditionally made from a mixture of silver, tin, copper, and mercury. Amalgam has been used in dentistry for over 150 years and remains one of the strongest and most durable filling materials available. It is particularly well-suited to large cavities in back teeth that are subject to heavy biting forces.
Unlike composite, amalgam does not bond to the tooth — it is held in place by the shape of the cavity. This means slightly more tooth structure must be removed during preparation to create a shape that locks the filling in place. Amalgam fillings are metallic silver in colour and are clearly visible in the mouth, which is why many patients now prefer tooth-coloured alternatives for visible teeth.
Silver amalgam fillings may be suitable for patients with large cavities in back teeth where maximum strength is needed. They are not recommended for pregnant women, children under 15, or patients with kidney disease, in line with current UK and EU guidelines. Many patients now choose white composite fillings for all areas of the mouth, but amalgam remains an option in specific clinical situations. Your dentist will advise on the most appropriate material.
White fillings are tooth-coloured and virtually invisible once placed. Silver amalgam fillings are metallic and clearly visible when you smile, laugh, or open your mouth. For front teeth and visible surfaces, white fillings offer a significantly superior aesthetic result.
Amalgam is one of the strongest filling materials available and has traditionally been the preferred choice for large back-tooth cavities under heavy biting force. Modern composite materials are strong enough for most situations, but for very large restorations in high-load areas, amalgam may still offer an advantage in raw durability.
Silver amalgam fillings typically last 10–15 years or more. White composite fillings last 5–15 years depending on the size, location, and biting forces involved. Modern composites have improved significantly, and well-placed white fillings in smaller cavities can last just as long as amalgam in many cases.
White composite bonds directly to tooth structure, meaning less healthy tooth needs to be removed during preparation. Amalgam does not bond — it requires the cavity to be shaped so the filling is mechanically locked in place, which means more tooth structure must be removed. Composite is the more conservative option.
White fillings are suitable for both front and back teeth. Amalgam is used only on back teeth because of its metallic appearance. For front teeth and other visible areas, composite is the clear choice. For back teeth, both materials can be used depending on the size and nature of the cavity.
Composite fillings are carefully colour-matched and polished to blend with the natural tooth. The result is a restoration that is virtually undetectable. Amalgam provides a functional restoration but has no aesthetic benefit — it remains visibly metallic for the lifetime of the filling.
White composite fillings are generally higher in cost than amalgam, reflecting the material and the more technique-sensitive placement process. At our practice, composite fillings start from £92.50 per filling for members (£185 standard). The total cost depends on the size and number of fillings required.
White composite fillings are generally higher in cost than silver amalgam, reflecting the tooth-coloured material and the more precise bonding technique required. The total cost depends on the size, location, and number of fillings needed. Membership patients receive reduced rates on all treatments.
| Treatment | Member Price | Standard Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Filling (Small) | From £92.50 | From £185 | Per filling — composite resin |
| White Filling (Medium) | From £130 | From £260 | Per filling — composite resin |
| White Filling (Large) | From £152.50 | From £305 | Per filling — composite resin |
| Silver Filling (Amalgam) | Generally lower cost — pricing varies | Back teeth only — discuss with dentist | |
White Filling (Small)
White Filling (Medium)
White Filling (Large)
Silver Filling (Amalgam)
Membership patients receive 50% off all treatments. Your dentist will provide a clear treatment plan and cost breakdown during your consultation.
If appearance is important, white composite fillings are the clear choice — they are tooth-coloured and virtually invisible once placed, making them ideal for both front and back teeth.
White FillingIf the cavity is very large and located in a back tooth under heavy biting force, silver amalgam may offer greater raw strength and durability. Your dentist will assess whether composite or amalgam is more suitable.
Silver FillingFor teeth visible when you smile, talk, or laugh, white fillings are the only option that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. Amalgam is not suitable where aesthetics are a priority.
White FillingSilver amalgam fillings are generally lower in cost than composite. However, many patients prefer the aesthetic and tooth-preserving benefits of composite fillings and consider the higher cost worthwhile.
Silver FillingThe best filling material depends on the size and location of the cavity, the biting forces involved, and your personal preferences. Our team will carry out a thorough assessment and recommend the most suitable option for your individual needs — book a consultation with a dentist in London to discuss your options.
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 depend on individual clinical factors and cannot be guaranteed. The suitability of white or silver fillings is determined during a clinical assessment. South Kensington Medical & Dental is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and all practitioners are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).
Our experienced dental team is fully qualified and registered with the GDC, delivering safe, high-quality care in line with the highest professional standards.
Because our patients deserve nothing less.
At South Kensington Medical & Dental, we are fully registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and our clinicians are registered with the relevant UK regulatory bodies, including the GDC and GMC. Our dentists, dental nurses and medical professionals deliver care that meets the highest clinical, safety and ethical standards, because our patients deserve nothing less.
