In recent years, it has become possible to supply fillings that exactly match the color of your teeth. You end up with fillings that are nearly invisible instead of an obvious mouth full of metal.
These are made of a kind of resin and so are in fact metal free. They are as long lasting as metal fillings. Concerns over potential dangers of traditional amalgam fillings have contributed to their increasing popularity.
Many patients have existing amalgam fillings removed and replaced with tooth-colored fillings, either for cosmetic purposes (a more attractive smile), for health reasons or both.