Tooth-coloured fillings have largely replaced silver amalgam as the standard filling material in Australian dental practices. They are matched to the shade of your natural teeth and bonded directly to the tooth structure.
This guide focuses on the composite material itself: how it is placed, when it works well, and when an old amalgam or large cavity may need a different restoration. For itemised fee ranges, see our dental filling fees guide.
What is a tooth-coloured filling
A tooth-coloured filling, also called a composite filling or white filling, uses a resin-based material that is matched to the colour of your teeth. The composite is applied in layers, shaped to the natural contours of the tooth, and hardened with a special curing light.
Unlike amalgam, which sits in a prepared cavity held in place by the shape of the hole, composite bonds chemically to the tooth. This means less natural tooth structure needs to be removed during preparation.
The result is a restoration that looks natural, preserves more of your tooth, and performs well under normal chewing forces.
Cost of tooth-coloured fillings in Brisbane
Composite filling fees depend on the size of the cavity and the number of surfaces involved. Here is a general guide.
Filling size | Starting price | Description |
|---|---|---|
Small (one surface) | From $200 | Minor cavity on a single tooth surface |
Medium (two surfaces) | From $300 | Cavity extending across two surfaces of the tooth |
Large (three or more surfaces) | From $400 | Significant decay involving multiple surfaces |
Amalgam replacement | From $300 | Removing old amalgam and replacing with composite |
Indicative pricing. Your quote may differ based on clinical assessment.
Health fund rebates typically apply to composite fillings. The rebate amount depends on your fund, your policy level, and the item numbers used. At Ivy Dental, we process claims on site with HICAPS so you pay only the gap.
How composite compares to amalgam
Amalgam fillings served dentistry well for over a century. They are durable, affordable, and easy to place. But they have drawbacks that have led to a shift toward composite.
Appearance. Amalgam is silver-grey and darkens over time. It is clearly visible when you open your mouth. Composite is matched to your tooth colour and is difficult to see once placed.
Tooth preservation. Amalgam requires mechanical retention. The dentist must shape the cavity to hold the filling in place, which sometimes means removing healthy tooth structure. Composite bonds to the tooth, so the preparation can be more conservative.
Thermal conductivity. Amalgam conducts temperature changes more readily than composite. Some patients with amalgam fillings report sensitivity to hot and cold foods. Composite is a better insulator.
Mercury content. Amalgam contains mercury, which has prompted public concern. Australian dental and health authorities, including the ADA, consider amalgam safe for use in dental restorations. However, environmental and patient preference trends have moved the industry toward mercury-free alternatives.
Durability. Amalgam has traditionally been considered more durable on back teeth, with expected lifespans of 10 to 15 years. Modern composite materials have improved significantly. In many clinical situations, the durability difference is now marginal, particularly for small to medium restorations.
At Ivy Dental, we place tooth-coloured composite fillings as standard. We discuss alternatives only when a specific clinical situation warrants it.
When a composite filling may not be enough
Composite fillings work well for small to moderate cavities. For very large restorations, particularly on back teeth that bear heavy chewing force, a different approach may be more durable.
Ceramic inlays and onlays are lab-made restorations that fit into or over the tooth. They are stronger than composite, more resistant to wear, and can last 10 to 20 years. They cost more, but for large cavities they may be the better long-term investment.
Dental crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth. If a tooth has lost more than half its structure to decay or fracture, a crown provides the strength and protection that a filling cannot. Our crown cost guide explains how pricing is usually assessed.
Your dentist will recommend the right restoration for the size of the cavity and the forces the tooth needs to withstand. The goal is a restoration that lasts, not one that needs replacing in two years because the material was not suited to the job.
Replacing old amalgam fillings
Many Brisbane patients ask about replacing their existing amalgam fillings with tooth-coloured composite. This is a common and straightforward procedure, but there are a few things to consider.
Replace when clinically needed. If an amalgam filling is cracked, leaking, or has new decay around it, replacement is recommended regardless of the material you choose. This is the ideal time to switch to composite.
Cosmetic replacement. If your amalgam fillings are sound but you dislike their appearance, replacement is possible. Your dentist will discuss the risks and benefits. Removing a sound filling involves drilling out the existing material, which temporarily weakens the tooth until the new filling is placed.
Not all amalgam needs replacing. A well-functioning amalgam filling with no signs of failure does not need to be removed because it is old. Your dentist checks filling integrity at every routine examination and will advise you if replacement is warranted.
What to expect during the procedure
A composite filling appointment typically takes 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. Here is what happens.
The area is numbed with local anaesthesia. Decay is removed with a drill or, in some cases, a laser. The cavity is cleaned, and a bonding agent is applied to the tooth surface. Composite resin is placed in layers, each cured with a blue light. The filling is shaped to match the natural tooth contours and polished to a smooth finish.
You can eat and drink normally once the anaesthesia wears off. Some sensitivity to hot and cold is normal for a few days after placement.
At Ivy Dental in Everton Park and Nundah, we use high-quality composite materials and take the time to match shade and shape carefully. We want your filling to look and feel like part of the original tooth.
If you need a filling or want to discuss replacing an old one, book an appointment at Ivy Dental. Call (07) 3266 7120 or visit us at Everton Park or Nundah. Open 7 days.
