“People often cite esthetic and health considerations about their old metal fillings. It really is correct that the esthetics of your smile can be considerably enhanced using a far more natural, tooth-colored repair,” Dr. Bedich states. Additionally, there are other reasons why someone would want to change to a tooth colored porcelain restoration or maybe a resin composite filling. Almost everything wears out, and your silver fillings are no different. They hold up against heavy biting forces every day, and as they age, they split, leak and can result in damaging fractures in teeth. With time, metal amalgam fillings can actually absorb water, causing them to swell and even break away from the teeth.