As a kid and young adult, you may not have been concerned or had no say in the treatment you received from your family dentist. For many years, grey amalgam fillings were the norm for correcting dental caries (tooth decay). All of that grey adds up and may eventually lead to a dull and dingy appearance. Amalgam fillings have also been linked to problems with toxic materials like mercury. As an adult, you may decide it is time to replace those filings with composite or porcelain to improve your smile.