If you have a cavity to fill, a chipped tooth to repair, or an old metal filling you'd love to be rid of, you have more choice than ever in Perth. Tooth-coloured (or "white") fillings have become the go-to option for patients who want a natural-looking result that blends seamlessly with their smile. But how do they really stack up against traditional amalgam fillings and what should you expect when it comes to cost, durability, and the treatment itself?
Here's a clear, no-nonsense guide to white fillings in Perth, plus what to look for when choosing a clinic.
What Are White Fillings?
White fillings are made from a tooth-coloured composite resin rather than metal. Natural-looking tooth-coloured fillings, or 'white' fillings, are also known as 'composite' fillings and are made from very strong bonding material that can be shaped to the exact requirements of the tooth, and this material is set using a special light source that cures the filling material.
Because the resin is colour-matched to your natural tooth shade, the finished filling is virtually invisible. Natural white fillings are now the most common cosmetic dental procedure.
You'll often hear several terms used interchangeably for the same treatment:
Composite fillings — the technical name for the resin material
White fillings — a reference to their tooth-coloured appearance
Colour-matched fillings — describing how the shade is selected to match your tooth
They can be used for far more than just cavities. They can be used to fill new cavities, repair chipped teeth, remove gaps between teeth, and even replace antiquated fillings such as metal or amalgam fillings.
White Fillings vs Amalgam: The Key Differences
Amalgam fillings — the silver-grey fillings many of us grew up with are made from a mix of metals including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. They've been used for well over a century and are known for their strength and longevity. So why have so many people moved towards composite?
1. Appearance
This is the biggest and most obvious difference. Amalgam fillings are dark and metallic, and they stand out, particularly on teeth that show when you smile or laugh. White fillings are matched to your natural tooth colour, so they're discreet and aesthetically pleasing.
2. Tooth structure preservation
Amalgam fillings rely on a mechanical "lock" into the tooth, which often means a dentist has to remove more healthy tooth structure to hold the filling in place. Composite resin bonds directly to the tooth, so less natural tooth typically needs to be removed.
3. Bonding and sensitivity
Because composite bonds to the tooth, it can help support and strengthen the remaining structure. Metal doesn't bond it simply sits in the prepared cavity.
4. Durability
This is where amalgam has traditionally held an edge. Metal fillings are extremely hard-wearing and can last many years, especially on large back teeth that bear heavy chewing forces. Modern composite materials have improved dramatically, though, and high-quality resins now offer excellent longevity for most everyday restorations. For very large restorations, your dentist might recommend an inlay or onlay instead a custom-made restoration that's stronger than a standard filling for bigger areas of damage.
5. Mercury content
Amalgam contains mercury, and while major health bodies consider it safe for most people, some patients simply prefer a mercury-free, metal-free option for personal or aesthetic reasons.
Can You Replace Amalgam Fillings With White Ones?
Yes. Many patients in Perth choose to have older metal fillings swapped out for tooth-coloured composite whether for cosmetic reasons, because an old filling is worn or leaking, or simply for peace of mind. The old filling is carefully removed, the tooth is cleaned and prepared, and a new composite filling is bonded and shaped in its place.
At Hocking Dental Care, the dentists can provide dental fillings that are designed to repair and restore decayed or damaged teeth, made from strong bonding materials that can be custom shaped to accommodate your teeth. Their fillings can also be used to replace older metal or amalgam fillings, making them a practical option if you'd like to update your smile.
You can read more about the procedure on the dental fillings treatment page.
How Much Do Tooth Fillings Cost in Perth?
The honest answer is: it depends. The cost of a tooth filling in Perth varies based on several factors:
Size and location of the cavity — a small filling on a front tooth costs less than a large filling on a molar
Number of surfaces being filled
Whether you're replacing an existing filling, which can involve extra steps
Your private health insurance and level of cover
A good clinic will always give you a clear quote before treatment begins, so there are no surprises. It's worth checking whether your clinic is a preferred provider with your health fund, as this can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Hocking Dental Care, for example, is the preferred provider for HBF, Medibank, nib, HCF, Bupa and CBHS, which means you get top quality dental care for less out of pocket expense. They also support patients who are Medicare subsidised, children on the Dental Health Benefit Scheme, and Department of Veterans' Affairs patients.
Why Patients Choose Hocking Dental Care for White Fillings
Located in Hocking within the City of Wanneroo, Hocking Dental Care is a popular choice for families across Perth's northern suburbs. It's a family-owned dental clinic where every single patient matters, working hard to provide consistent, high-quality and cutting-edge dental treatments with dentists you can trust and who genuinely care about your dental health.
When it comes to fillings specifically, the materials they use have undergone years of research and development and are of the highest quality, ensuring the best results. And when you choose Hocking Dental Care for dental fillings, you can be sure the results will look great and stand the test of time their dentists have the necessary training and expertise to provide the highest quality tooth fillings for patients of all ages.
The clinic welcomes patients from Hocking and surrounds including Wanneroo, Sinagra, Pearsall, Darch, Landsdale, Gnangara, Tapping, Wangara and the Perth area as a whole.
You can find their location, opening hours, and more details on the Hocking clinic page.
A Quick Note on Whitening and Fillings
If you're planning to whiten your teeth as well, the order of treatment matters. Whitening products don't change the colour of existing fillings, so it's best to whiten first and match your new fillings to the brighter result afterwards. As Hocking Dental Care notes, home whitening will not whiten fillings, and it may be necessary to have visible tooth-coloured fillings replaced with ones that more closely match the final tooth colour after whitening is completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are white fillings as strong as amalgam?
Modern composite materials are very strong and suitable for most fillings. For very large cavities under heavy chewing pressure, your dentist may suggest an alternative like an inlay or onlay for extra durability.
Do white fillings look natural?
Yes — they're colour-matched to your existing tooth shade, making them virtually invisible.
Can I replace all my metal fillings at once?
This is something to discuss with your dentist. They'll assess each filling and recommend whether replacement is needed and the best order to do it in.
Is the procedure painful?
Fillings are typically done under local anaesthetic, and the process is straightforward and comfortable for most patients.
Book Your Filling Appointment in Perth
Whether you need a new filling, want to repair a chipped tooth, or are ready to replace old amalgam fillings with a natural-looking composite, tooth-coloured fillings are a smart, modern choice.
Ready to take the next step? Book an appointment online with Hocking Dental Care and enjoy a brighter, more natural-looking smile.
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This article is general information only and is not a substitute for personalised dental advice. Always consult a qualified dentist to discuss the best treatment options for your individual needs.
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