Amalgam is a combination of mercury with other metals and has been used as a tooth filling material since early in the 19^th century.

Alternative tooth-coloured materials are increasingly used because they look better and require less intervention.

How safe are different tooth filling materials? Are they equally effective in ensuring dental health?

The answers to these questions are a faithful summary of two opinions produced in 2008 by scientific committees of the European Commission: "The safety of dental amalgam and alternative dental restoration materials for patients and users" by SCENIHR (Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks) and “The environmental risks and indirect health effects of mercury in dental amalgam" by SCHER (Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks).