Composite Filling

A composite filling is made of a hard, durable white resin-based substance infused with silicon dioxide (glass). When composite fillings were first used in the 1960’s they were only suitable for use in the front teeth as the material was not hard enough to withstand the repeated chewing and crunching actions performed by the premolars and molars. Today, however the resin is much stronger and can be used in the back teeth as well as the front teeth. Composite fillings are popular with patients because they are much less visible than traditional black and silver fillings, due to their light, tooth-like colour. Composite fillings typically last up to 10 years before they need to be restored or replaced.

Fitting a Composite Filling

Composite fillings take slightly longer to fit than black and silver fillings; however, the procedure is still reasonably quick and straight-forward. The length of the operation depends on the size and situation of the cavity. A composite filling is applied in layers, with each individual layer hardened by an intense light source before the next layer is applied; when this is completed, the composite is shaped to fit the crown and cleaned thoroughly.

Other uses of Composite Fillings

Composite, or white, fillings are not solely used for filling cavities; they can also be used to enhance the aesthetics of a patient’s smile by lightening the colour of areas of a tooth or filling in small cracks and chips. The composite can be adjusted to match the colour of the existing teeth so that fillings appear almost invisible.

Advantages of Composite Fillings

Aside from the obvious aesthetic advantages, composite fillings are also a more environmentally-friendly option than silver fillings due to the lack of mercury in their composition. Composite fillings can also be stronger than silver fillings because they are able to attach directly to the tooth.

Disadvantages of Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are more expensive than silver fillings and are often not available on the NHS; they are commonly up to twice the price of a silver filling. The colour of the composite can also be altered by substances such as coffee, tea and red wine; if this is a concern a clear protective film can be fitted over the composite to prevent colour change. Composite fillings in large cavities can wear faster than silver fillings and therefore may need to be replaced sooner; research does show, however, that they are equally hard-wearing in smaller cavities.

Gallery of Smiles

View Smile Gallery