When the decay has been removed from the tooth, it is replaced with “filling” material. In the past, amalgam (silver) fillings were placed into the cleaned out portion of the tooth. However, with advancements in dentistry, you can now have tooth-colored fillings instead of silver fillings, resulting in a brighter, whiter smile. In addition to their natural appearance, composite tooth-colored fillings bond to your enamel and you are able to chew with them quicker since they are hardened by light activation.