Tooth-Colored Fillings
Durable, mercury-free fillings color-matched to your natural tooth.
Tooth-colored fillings — also called composite or white fillings — are the modern alternative to old silver amalgam. They're made of a tooth-colored resin that bonds directly to the tooth, restoring strength while staying invisible in your smile.
We use composite for both new cavities and to replace older silver fillings that have cracked, leaked, or simply become an aesthetic concern. Because composite bonds to the tooth, we can preserve more healthy structure than with traditional amalgam.
Composite is also versatile — it's the same material we use for cosmetic bonding to repair small chips, close minor gaps, and reshape worn edges.
A clear, comfortable process from start to finish.
- 1
Exam & shade match
We confirm a filling is the right treatment, take any needed X-rays, and select a composite shade that matches your natural tooth.
- 2
Numbing
Local anesthetic is applied so the procedure is fully comfortable. Many small fillings can even be done without it.
- 3
Removal & cleaning
Decay or old amalgam is removed conservatively. The cavity is cleaned and the surface prepared for bonding.
- 4
Layered placement
Composite is placed in thin layers, each cured with a light. This minimizes shrinkage and creates a strong, leak-resistant seal.
- 5
Polish & bite check
We shape the filling to match your bite, polish it smooth, and verify it feels natural. You can eat normally as soon as numbness wears off.
Common questions about tooth-colored fillings.
Should I replace my old silver fillings?
Not always. If a silver filling is intact and the tooth is healthy, replacement isn't necessary. We replace amalgam when it's cracked, leaking, decayed underneath, or when a patient prefers a tooth-colored look.
How long do composite fillings last?
Typically 7–10 years, sometimes much longer. Lifespan depends on the size of the filling, the tooth's location, hygiene, and grinding habits.
Are composite fillings as strong as amalgam?
Yes for the vast majority of cavities. For very large back-tooth cavities, we may recommend a porcelain inlay or crown instead — composite has limits at scale.
Do tooth-colored fillings contain mercury?
No. Composite is a mix of resin and ceramic-like fillers. There's no mercury or metal.
Does insurance cover composite fillings?
Most plans cover composite at the same rate as amalgam for front teeth. Some plans pay only the amalgam rate for back teeth — we'll verify your benefits before we start.
Explore related treatments.
Teeth Whitening
Brighten your smile by several shades with dentist-supervised whitening — faster and safer than store-bought strips.
Learn moreDental Veneers
Custom porcelain shells that fix color, shape, chips, and spacing in a single, conservative treatment.
Learn morePorcelain & Bioclear Crowns
Restorations that protect damaged teeth while looking and feeling completely natural.
Learn moreWhere tooth-colored fillings is offered
Tooth-Colored Fillings is available at all PGS Dentistry locations across Macomb and St. Clair counties.
Ready to talk about your smile?
Book a consult or call — a real person picks up.