Amalgam fillings have been used less and less in recent years. Whilst a good material for its time, nowadays it is rare to use silver fillings. There are many alternatives to silver and the most common is  tooth coloured composite resin, which is relatively economic and is carried out in one visit. Porcelain inlays or overlays are also popular and in some cases required for strength.

Resin fillings are a one visit process, whilst porcelain inlays or onlays require two visits. The first is to prepare the cavity, take an impression and then have the inlay made in the laboratory. The second visit is to bond the inlay into or onto the tooth.

Very often by replacing old silver fillings, the tooth itself can be made stronger and far more attractive.