Metal fillings may be durable, but they look far from natural. That is, unless you’re a robot.

Thanks to modern dental materials, silver fillings aren’t the only game in town anymore. So why are so many of us still packing mercury in our mouths?

Tooth-coloured fillings made of resin or porcelain are not only extremely strong and wear-resistant but also almost impossible to tell from real enamel. Resin is usually used for smaller fillings, while porcelain inlays or onlays are a better choice for larger ones that require a solid foundation for chewing.