Many people still have amalgam/silver fillings in their mouth. Formerly an acceptable restoration, research now shows that once these fillings exceed a certain size the stability of the remaining tooth is compromised. This may lead to a potential fracture under normal function. If caught early enough, replacing these old fillings with bonded restorations such as gold inlays or more esthetic alternatives such as composite restorations and porcelain inlays, will not only improve the look of your teeth, but also their overall strength.