Composite Fillings
White fillings are made of composite resin and serve to fill cavities just like silver amalgam fillings. However, white fillings are matched to the color of your teeth and are virtually invisible. Tooth-colored fillings have become more popular over the years. As the availability of white fillings has increased and the possible dangers associated with amalgam fillings have been publicized, more and more patients are having their cavities filled with beautifully white, tooth-colored fillings.
How It's Done:
Because a composite is more difficult to place than silver fillings, it takes the dentist about 10-20 minutes longer to place. Placement time depends on the size and location of the cavity.
Following preparation, the dentist places the composite in layers, using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth. The dentist then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear.
Advantages of White Fillings:
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Since they bond to the tooth, composite fillings restore most of the original strength of the tooth. Silver weakens the teeth, making them more susceptible to breaking. Since broken teeth are very expensive to restore, composites can save a lot of expense over the long run. |
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Composite fillings restore the natural appearance of the tooth. |
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Teeth restored with white fillings are less sensitive to hot and cold than teeth restored with amalgam, if correct techniques are used. |
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Composites are mercury-free. Mercury in the fillings is viewed by some as being toxic. |
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Composites require less removal of tooth structure. Especially with new cavities, the size of the hole made for the filling can be dramatically smaller with composites. |
