In the past, if you needed a cavity filled, your dentist would probably have provided an amalgam repair. This material consists of powdered metals, such as silver, tin, or copper, mixed with liquid mercury as a bonding agent. Although durable enough to last for 10+ years, these restorations can also cause potential problems.

Thankfully, most providers today utilize tooth-colored composite resin to mend sections of decayed enamel instead. If you still have silver fillings and are considering an upgrade, continue reading to learn 3 reasons to have them replaced with more lifelike materials!