What are Composite or “White” Fillings?

Composite fillings are also known as white fillings, tooth-colored fillings and resin fillings. They are made from synthetic modified resin material that is bonded to the tooth structure via a chemical bond.

 

 

Composite Dental Fillings by cosmetic dentist Dr Saleh -
See additional before and after photos of the replacement of silver fillings

 

What Do I Need To Be Aware Of When Considering Composite Fillings?

Dental Composite Fillings - Material Selection

Dental composite manufacturers have not been able to come up with a truly universal composite material that can be used for front and back teeth simultaneously.

Composite fillings on back teeth require more strength and wear resistance. Composite fillings on front teeth require high polishing ability to help match the high level of luster and finish on the enamel of the actual tooth and neighboring teeth. Without going into technical detail and looking further into how dental composites are made, you cannot have both of these properties entirely together. You either have to sacrifice some strength and wear resistance for looks or vice versa.

Many dental composite manufacturers claim that their dental composite material is truly universal and therefore a single material is commonly used for both front and back teeth. However to date there has not been a truly universal composite dental material.

Bonding Process of Composite Fillings

Traditionally the process of bonding dental composite fillings is a three-step process that includes acid-etching, priming, and bonding applications on the tooth then placement of the composite filling followed by light cure. Over time this process has been reduced to a two-step where the acid-etch is combined with primer so you only prime and bond. In the last few years, single-step composite bonding agents< were introduced where etchant, primer and bonding solutions are mixed together. The mixed solution is applied to the tooth followed by the composite filling material. Numerous research papers have been published on the newer ways “two step and single step" of bonding composite fillings with one conclusive result. To date, the three step process of bonding dental composite fillings offer the strongest and longest lasting bond of any other techniques.

Experience Counts When it Comes to Composite Fillings

Dentists who bond dental composite fillings on a regular basis tend to pay close attention to the details and technical sensitivity of bonding composite fillings. Experience in bonding dental composite fillings helps to develop a deeper understanding, appreciation and awareness of the factors that can compromise the overall longevity of composite fillings.

A True Comparison of Composite Fillings and Amalgam “Silver” Fillings

Several years ago we decided that we would no longer utilize amalgam as a restorative dental material at Dental Dynamics. Our decision was based on several comparative factors between the two materials:

Composite fillings

- Matches tooth color
- Helps conserve tooth structure
- Chemical bonds to tooth
- Less strength and wear capability
- Less forgiving with poor oral hygiene
- Not controversial due to mercury presence
- Can be used on young children
- Environmentally friendly
- Good longevity
- Higher cost
- Bonds tooth together

Amalgam fillings

- Does not match tooth color
- Additional tooth structure is removed to place the filling
- Mechanical bond to tooth
- Better strength and wear
- More forgiving with poor oral hygiene
- Better longevity
- May cause cracks in teeth
- Lower cost
- Controversial due to presence of mercury
- Environmental concerns
- Not to be used in young children

There is no doubt that the current composite fillings are better restorative material than amalgam fillings. Until the recent past, amalgam fillings owned the advantage over composite fillings in terms of durability and longevity. However, the current composite dental materials have better durability, strength and wear than they did in the past making composite fillings much more superior to amalgam fillings.