Tooth-coloured composite fillings are now the standard restoration in most Australian dental practices, and most patients prefer them for the simple reason that no one else can tell they are there. Beyond the cosmetic advantage, composite resin also preserves more natural tooth structure and bonds to the tooth rather than being held in by mechanical retention. This article explains what a tooth-coloured filling actually is, how it compares to amalgam, the procedure step by step, the option to replace old silver fillings safely, the typical cost, and the realistic lifespan of a composite restoration.
What is a tooth-coloured filling?
A tooth-coloured filling is a direct dental restoration made from composite resin, a blend of plastic and fine glass particles that is matched to the natural shade of the tooth, bonded micromechanically to the prepared surface, and set hard with a curing light. It restores the function and the appearance of a tooth that has lost structure to decay or trauma.
Composite resin is a versatile material. The dentist selects a shade from a guide under controlled lighting, places the resin in layers, shapes each layer to mimic the natural anatomy of the tooth, and hardens it with a blue curing light. The final restoration is polished to a smooth, glossy finish that resists plaque accumulation. Because composite bonds to the tooth rather than relying on the shape of the cavity to hold it in, the preparation is more conservative, meaning less healthy tooth structure is removed in the process. The material is mercury-free, which is a meaningful consideration for many patients and an important differentiator for practices that take a holistic view of dental materials.
How does composite compare to amalgam?
Composite and amalgam differ in appearance, the way they are held in the tooth, the amount of tooth structure that must be removed, their thermal and electrical behaviour, and the indications for which they are best suited. The table below summarises the practical trade-offs.
| Attribute | Composite | Amalgam |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Matches tooth | Silver-grey |
| Bonding | Bonds to tooth | Held in by cavity shape |
| Tooth preservation | More conservative | Requires more removal for retention |
| Setting | Sets immediately with curing light | Sets over several hours |
| Thermal sensitivity | Low | Can transmit temperature |
| Cost | Higher material cost, comparable procedure time | Lower material cost, similar procedure time |
| Holistic considerations | Mercury-free | Contains mercury, which some patients prefer to avoid |
For most small to moderate cavities in both front and back teeth, composite is now the standard of care in Australian practice. Amalgam still has a role in certain large load-bearing cavities and in some public-sector programs, but the choice for most private patients in 2026 is composite.
Are tooth-coloured fillings as durable as silver fillings?
Tooth-coloured composite fillings are comparable in durability to silver amalgam for small to moderate cavities and may be less durable for very large fillings on back teeth that bear heavy chewing forces, although the gap narrows when the composite is placed with modern bonding techniques and the patient maintains good oral hygiene. The evidence has shifted toward composite over the past two decades.
The Australian Dental Association and a number of long-term clinical studies have shown that well-placed composite fillings in small to moderate cavities perform as well as amalgam over a 7-10 year horizon, with the advantage of being more conservative and more aesthetic. For very large cavities, the difference is more nuanced, and a crown or an inlay may be a more durable option than a large direct filling of either material. The clinical decision is made on a case-by-case basis using the size of the cavity, the location in the mouth, the patient’s bite, and their aesthetic priorities.
What is the process for a composite filling?
A composite filling is placed over a single appointment of 20-60 minutes depending on size, with local anaesthetic if needed, removal of decay, layering of the composite resin in matched shades, curing with a blue light, and final shaping and polishing. The procedure is quiet, conservative, and predictable.
The first step is a local anaesthetic if the cavity is close to the nerve. The decay is removed with a small bur, and the cavity is shaped with rounded internal lines that help the composite bond and distribute forces. The tooth is then etched with a mild acidic gel for 15-20 seconds to create micro-porosity in the enamel, rinsed, and dried. A bonding agent is applied and cured, and the composite resin is placed in layers, each of which is cured for 20-40 seconds. The final layer is shaped to recreate the natural contours of the tooth, and the bite is checked and adjusted. The whole process is generally comfortable and produces an immediately functional, natural-looking result.
Can old silver fillings be replaced with white ones?
Old silver fillings can be replaced with white ones, with the choice of timing and technique depending on the condition of the existing filling, the amount of remaining tooth structure, and the patient’s reasons for wanting a replacement, and with safe mercury-amalgam removal protocols available for patients who want to minimise mercury exposure during the process. Most practices, including My Dentist, replace amalgam fillings routinely.
Reasons to replace an amalgam filling include a cracked or failing restoration, decay around the edges of the filling, a desire for a more aesthetic appearance, and a preference for mercury-free materials. The procedure is the same as for a new filling once the old material is removed, with the additional step of using rubber dam isolation, high-volume suction, and copious water cooling to limit any mercury vapour released during the drilling. The practice at My Dentist offers safe mercury amalgam removal for patients who want this option, using TGA-aligned protocols and a holistic approach to material selection. For a small filling in a visible area, replacement is straightforward. For a large filling, the clinician may recommend an inlay, onlay, or crown instead of a direct composite to ensure a long-lasting result, and the dental veneers in Alderley team can discuss aesthetic options for front teeth that have been heavily restored.
How much do tooth-coloured fillings cost in Brisbane?
The cost of tooth-coloured fillings in Brisbane depends on the size and number of surfaces involved, the tooth, and whether the procedure is a new filling or a replacement of an old one, with single-surface composite fillings at the lower end of the scale and multi-surface restorations higher. Item numbers differ, and a written quote follows the initial exam.
The $199 new patient package at My Dentist includes the exam, photos, iTero scan, and x-rays, which gives the clinician what is needed to provide an itemised quote for any fillings recommended. Health fund rebates depend on the policy and the item numbers used, and most major Australian funds cover a percentage of the cost. The practice also offers payment plans for patients who need a comprehensive care plan, because phasing treatment over several visits can spread the cost. Patients in nearby suburbs, including neighbouring Stafford patients, often combine routine check-ups with a plan to replace older amalgams over time.
How long do composite fillings last?
Composite fillings typically last 7-10 years on average with good oral hygiene, although small fillings in low-stress areas can last 15 years or more and large fillings in high-stress areas may need replacement sooner. The lifespan depends on size, location, bite forces, and home care.
Factors that shorten the lifespan of a composite filling include heavy bite forces from grinding, very large cavities that leave thin walls of natural tooth, exposure to high-acid diets, and inadequate home care. Factors that extend the lifespan include small cavity size, low bite stress, careful placement technique, fluoride toothpaste, regular hygiene visits, and a night guard for patients who grind. A composite filling that fails usually fails at the margin (the join between filling and tooth) rather than in the bulk of the material, which is why regular check-ups with x-rays every 1-2 years are valuable. For a personalised estimate on how long a specific filling is likely to last, Dentist Brisbane My Dentist’s team is happy to assess and discuss options at the next check-up.
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Frequently asked questions
Do composite fillings hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic when needed, and most patients feel no pain. After the anaesthetic wears off, the tooth may feel slightly sensitive for a few days, especially if the cavity was deep.
Will the filling match my other teeth?
Yes. The dentist selects the shade from a guide under controlled lighting and places the composite in layers to mimic the natural translucency and colour of the surrounding tooth. Most fillings are invisible to the casual observer.
Can I eat straight after a composite filling?
Yes, because composite is fully set when you leave the chair. If local anaesthetic was used, wait until the numbness wears off before eating to avoid biting the cheek or lip.
Do composite fillings stain?
Composite can pick up surface stains from coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco over the years, but a polish at a hygiene visit usually refreshes the colour. Significant staining can be addressed by resurfacing or replacing the filling.
Is it safe to remove amalgam fillings?
Yes, when done with rubber dam isolation, high-volume suction, water cooling, and supplementary air, mercury vapour exposure is minimised. The TGA has published guidance on these protocols, and the practice follows them for every amalgam removal.
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Disclaimer
All dental procedures involve potential risks and benefits. The information provided in this blog is general in nature and should not be taken as medical advice. We recommend that you seek guidance from a suitably qualified health professional before making decisions about your oral health. Where appropriate, you may also wish to consider obtaining a second opinion. Any images or videos featured are shared with the informed consent of our patients and are intended for educational purposes only. They are not a guarantee of results, as every patient is unique. Treatment outcomes — including recovery, potential complications, and effectiveness — can vary from person to person.
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Where Can You Receive Tooth-Coloured Fillings in Brisbane?
If you are looking for tooth-coloured fillings in Brisbane, conservative mercury-free treatment makes a difference. At My Dentist, composite restorations are matched to the natural tooth and placed with modern bonding protocols. From new fillings to safe amalgam replacement, the focus is on preserving tooth structure and supporting long-term oral health. Whether it is a single small cavity or a full-mouth restoration plan, every patient receives guidance tailored to their specific filling needs, helping support long term oral health.
