They are tooth-colored and can release fluoride over time to help prevent further tooth decay.

For example, tooth-colored composites are typically used for cavities in anterior teeth for cosmetic reasons.

Composites are tooth-colored fillings composed of a mixture of acrylic resin and powdered glass or silica filler.

Glass ionomers are natural looking, tooth-colored materials made of a mixture of acrylic acids with fine glass powders that are used to fill cavities.

One distinct advantage that composite fillings have over amalgam is that they closely match the tooth color and, for this reason, they are often the preferred choice for anterior teeth or where aesthetics is important.

One distinct advantage that glass ionomer fillings have over amalgam is that they closely match the tooth color and, for this reason, they are often used for anterior teeth or where aesthetics is important.

Dental amalgam: Mercury-free alternatives to dental amalgam include composite and glass ionomer materials. The alternatives can be matched to the tooth color and are widely used where aesthetics are important. They also have the advantage of not requiring special handling of waste generated during cavity filling. The alternatives cost more, take longer to place, and often have lower resistance to fracture and wear. Three countries (Denmark, Norway and Sweden) determined that the alternatives were adequate replacements for amalgam and, in 2008, imposed bans on dental amalgam. Eight countries, representing fifty percent of the responses received relating to this mercury use, indicated that substitutes are available and commonly used in those countries. Despite the fact that transition success has been demonstrated in some countries, the higher cost of the alternatives is a challenge that is preventing the further transition away from dental amalgam.

Dental amalgam: Mercury-free alternatives to dental amalgam include composite and glass ionomer materials. The alternatives can be matched to the tooth color and are widely used where aesthetics are important. They also have the advantage of not requiring special handling of waste generated during cavity filling. The alternatives cost more, take longer to place, and often have lower resistance to fracture and wear. Three countries (Denmark, Norway and Sweden) determined that the alternatives were adequate replacements for amalgam and, in 2008, imposed bans on dental amalgam. Eight countries, representing fifty percent of the responses received relating to this mercury use, indicated that substitutes are available and commonly used in those countries. Despite the fact that transition success has been demonstrated in some countries, the higher cost of the alternatives is a challenge that is preventing the further transition away from dental amalgam.