Composite fillings can be an alternative to amalgam fillings. They are made of a plastic material mixed with small glass particles and are tooth coloured, rather than silver. They are suitable for repairing both the front and the back teeth.
After preparing the tooth, your dentist will place layers of the
composite filling into the area to be repaired. Each layer of the
composite material is hardened by exposure to a special light.Once the
cavity or defect is filled, your dentist can trim the composite to fit
the tooth and then polish it to reduce discolouration or staining.
Advantages of composite fillings :
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Composite fillings are more attractive than amalgam fillings.
- Teeth filled with composite
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material tend to be stronger, as it bonds to the surrounding tooth, while a tooth filled with amalgam may sometimes be weaker.
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Composite fillings can be fitted into very small holes, so less drilling is needed in preparation for the fillings.
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These types of fillings can help insulate the tooth from major temperature changes.
Disadvantages of composite fillings :
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Composite fillings take slightly longer to place than amalgam, and the technique your dentist uses is more complex.
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Composites are usually more expensive than amalgam.
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If used in layer cavities, composite fillings can wear out sooner
than amalgam fillings. However, this does not occur if they are used in
smaller cavities.
* A tooth filled with composite material can be sensitive for a time
after the procedure.
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Some foods and drinks can stain composite fillings.
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