Metrowest Family Dental

Metrowest Dental Treatment Information Center

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General Dentistry

Composite Fillings

The esthetic alternative to traditional silver fillings.

The Concern:

• Decay on a portion of any tooth
• Desire to replace old-fashioned silver fillings
• Desire to maintain a white, beautiful smile

The Solution:

A composite filling is a tooth colored quartz-like material. After tooth decay is removed and cleaned, this tooth colored material is layered into the tooth. Each layer is hardened or cured with highly intense visible light, and the final surface is shaped and polished to match the tooth. The final restoration is virtually invisible.

Often it is advantageous to whiten all teeth before treatment so that the new restoration color matches the desired whiter, brighter smile.

Advantages:

Composite fillings are more than just attractive. They are environmentally non-toxic because they use no mercury. They are stronger because they bond directly to the surface of the tooth. They protect the tooth from fracturing because they don’t require the severe “undercut” (removal of healthy tooth structure) of a silver filling.

Disadvantages:

The initial investment in a composite filling is higher than that for a silver filling. This is due to the fact that the composite material is more expensive relative to insurance policies and the restoration is more difficult and time consuming to place. As well, insurance companies tend to contribute less benefits toward composites, so there is more out of pocket payment. However, this initial higher investment is offset in the long run by the health benefits and reduced likelihood of restoring potentially fractured teeth.

Alternatives:

Inlays/onlays are sometimes good alternatives to composite fillings, offering excellent long term durability. In cases of extensive decay, inlays/onlays or crowns are the only alternative.