Mercury-free fillings
Silver fillings are made of amalgam; a mixture of mercury and other metals including silver, tin and copper. Mercury is used in amalgam to quickly harden the filling material, making it fit for purpose. Concern has been raised that as an amalgam filling ages, or begins to wear down, that low quantities of Mercury may be absorbed into the blood system with negative side effects. While these concerns remain, your dentist will not use restorations that contain amalgam.

White fillings
A white filling replaces part of a tooth that has been lost due to decay or accidental damage. Unlike silver (amalgam) fillings, white filling material is mercury-free. White fillings hold more successfully to the structure of your teeth, they can be used to form more precise edges and they merge more cosmetically into the natural shades/tones of your existing teeth.