At Simply Dental, we’re committed to amalgam-free dentistry as part of our minimally invasive approach to oral health.
But what does that actually mean for you and your smile?
Let’s explore why modern dentistry is moving away from traditional silver fillings and toward tooth-coloured alternatives that work better with your natural teeth.
What is amalgam, anyway?
For over 150 years, dental amalgam has been the standard filling material. You probably know it as “silver fillings,” though it’s actually a mixture of metals including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. While amalgam has served dentistry for generations, modern research and materials science have revealed some significant drawbacks that are prompting practices worldwide to make the switch.
The hardness problem
Here’s something many patients don’t realise: amalgam is significantly harder than your natural tooth enamel. This might sound like a good thing at first, but it creates a real problem. When you bite down, that extra-hard filling can actually cause fractures in the opposing teeth over time. It’s like having a small hammer in your mouth every time you chew.
Tooth-coloured composite materials, by contrast, are engineered to match the hardness of your natural enamel. This means when you bite, the forces distribute more evenly across your teeth, reducing stress and protecting your smile from unnecessary damage.
Smaller fillings, stronger teeth
One of the most significant advantages of composite materials is that they require less tooth removal. Traditional amalgam fillings need a certain size and shape to stay in place, which often means removing more healthy tooth structure than is strictly necessary to address the decay.
Composite fillings bond directly to your tooth, allowing your dentist to be much more conservative. We can remove only the decayed portion and preserve more of your natural tooth structure. Since natural tooth material is stronger than any artificial substance, this preservation approach means stronger teeth in the long run.
It’s not just about looks
Yes, tooth-coloured fillings look more natural than silver amalgam, and that’s definitely an advantage. But the benefits go far deeper than cosmetics. These modern materials are more compatible with the natural environment of your mouth, working in harmony with your teeth rather than against them.
A global shift
New Zealand dentistry has been steadily moving toward amalgam-free practices for years. Research from the University of Otago shows that composite resin is now the predominant restorative material used across the country, with amalgam use declining dramatically over the past two decades. This shift reflects both advances in dental materials and a growing understanding of what works best for long-term oral health.
What this means when you need a filling
If you need a filling, amalgam-free dentistry means you’re getting a restoration that preserves more of your natural tooth, distributes biting forces more evenly, and looks completely natural. And if you already have old amalgam fillings that are worn or damaged, they can be replaced with modern composite materials.
The best part? With proper care and maintenance, these tooth-coloured fillings can serve you well for many years while protecting your natural tooth structure.
Your next steps
Understanding your options is the first step toward making informed decisions about your dental health. If you have questions about fillings, whether you need one, or if you’re curious about replacing existing amalgam fillings, we’re here to help.
Book an appointment online with Simply Dental at https://buff.ly/4WldxGj or call us on 0800-123-343 or 04-473-9283. Let’s discuss what’s right for your smile.