Have you ever caught a glimpse of your smile in the mirror or in a photo and noticed dark, metallic spots in your teeth? These black or silver fillings—commonly known as silver amalgam fillings—were once the standard in dental care. But today, more patients are seeking safer, more natural-looking options that reflect modern dental advancements.
At Advanced Dental Concepts in Broomall, PA, Dr. Sander I. White specializes in helping patients replace outdated dental materials with state-of-the-art, tooth-colored restorations. Whether you’re concerned about aesthetics, safety, or long-term durability, there are now superior solutions that can restore both your oral health and your confidence.
Silver amalgam is a dental material that has been used for over 100 years. It’s a mixture of metals including silver, tin, copper, and zinc, blended with liquid mercury to create a moldable paste that hardens inside the tooth. These fillings were popular because they were relatively inexpensive, quick to place, and durable under biting pressure.
However, over the years, patients and dental professionals have become increasingly aware of the significant disadvantages of amalgam fillings:
Silver amalgam fillings are dark, metallic, and highly visible when you speak, laugh, or smile. Unlike modern tooth-colored materials, they don't blend with your natural enamel and often cast a shadow within the tooth, making it appear darker overall.
Amalgam fillings expand and contract with temperature changes, which can cause the tooth to crack or split over time. This thermal movement leads to microscopic fractures that weaken the overall structure and may require more extensive restorations in the future.
Because amalgam doesn't bond to the tooth, bacteria and food particles can seep in between the filling and the tooth surface. This leakage often leads to recurrent decay, even when the filling itself appears intact.
Perhaps the most concerning aspect is the inclusion of elemental mercury, which comprises about 50% of each filling. While the ADA claims that mercury levels are low and safe, multiple studies and international organizations have raised concerns about long-term exposure—especially for sensitive individuals, children, and pregnant women.
Did you know? In the U.S., any leftover amalgam must be treated as hazardous waste and disposed of with special handling protocols. Yet it remains inside many patients’ mouths for decades.
Thankfully, dentistry has come a long way. Today, Dr. Sander I. White offers advanced, biocompatible materials that restore teeth with greater safety, aesthetics, and function.
Gold may seem old-fashioned, but it remains one of the most trusted and durable materials in dentistry. When used correctly, gold fillings or crowns can last 25 to 40 years or more.
Benefits of Gold:
Gold is best suited for molars and less-visible areas due to its color, but many patients choose it for its proven reliability.
Ceramic restorations, such as porcelain inlays and onlays, offer a nearly invisible solution for replacing old fillings. These are created in a dental lab and bonded securely to the tooth.
Advantages include:
Patients love ceramic restorations because they restore the natural look and feel of the tooth—no one will know you ever had a cavity.
Composite fillings, also known as direct bonded fillings, are crafted from a mix of resin and ceramic particles. They’re applied in the dental office in a single visit.
Key Features:
Earlier generations of composite fillings were prone to wear and sensitivity. But modern materials are highly durable, with many lasting 10–15 years or longer with proper care.
In cases where traditional inlays or full ceramic restorations aren’t suitable—perhaps due to the size or location of the cavity—ceramo-resin hybrids offer a versatile solution. These are applied directly in layers, hardened with light, and sculpted to replicate your tooth’s natural anatomy.
This option is excellent for patients seeking a budget-conscious, yet aesthetic upgrade from silver fillings.
Replacing metal fillings isn’t just about cosmetics—it’s about preserving your long-term dental health. Here’s why more patients in Broomall, PA are choosing to upgrade:
At Advanced Dental Concepts, we take a personalized approach to dental care. Dr. Sander I. White has decades of experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, and he offers the latest solutions for replacing silver fillings safely and effectively.
We’ll evaluate your existing restorations, assess your overall dental health, and create a custom treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. Whether you’re replacing a single silver filling or undergoing a full-mouth restoration, you can count on compassionate care, cutting-edge techniques, and beautiful results.
If you’re tired of seeing black fillings in your teeth or are concerned about the health risks associated with silver amalgam, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sander I. White at Advanced Dental Concepts in Broomall, PA.
Let us help you transform your smile with tooth-colored fillings that are strong, safe, and stunning.
