Composite & White Fillings Q & A

What are Composite Fillings?

A filling restores a decayed tooth. Often they’re made of a mix of strong silver or gold metals, which are fine for back teeth, but can look noticeable and unattractive when used in more visible teeth.

Composite fillings are made of ceramic and resin compounds which mimic natural tooth structure.

Composite fillings can be used for bonding to improve your smile by:

• Changing the color, shape, and size of a tooth
• Fixing a broken tooth nearly invisibly
• Closing spaces between the front teeth

Composite fillings fit right in with the look of your natural teeth, so you can smile, talk, and eat with confidence.

A composite filling matches the existing color of your teeth, unlike metal fillings. Composite fillings also bond directly to the tooth, making the tooth stronger than it would be with an amalgam (metal) filling. A tooth with a composite filling resists breakage and is insulated from excessive temperature changes.

They require less drilling because the bonding process holds the composite material in the tooth. With a traditional amalgam filling, the space needs more shaping to ensure the filling stays in securely.

Placement of a composite filling usually takes a little longer than placement of a metal filling, but you’ll still likely be in and out of the office in less than an hour. It’s a slightly longer process because your dentist needs to keep the tooth clean and dry while filling the cavity.

Dr. Polwarth starts by numbing the area and then cleans the tooth of any cavity and decay. She layers on the composite, using a specialized laser to harden at each step. Once the composite filling is complete, it is shaped and polished.

Care for a composite filling as you would your natural teeth. Brush and floss regularly, and make appointments for professional cleanings once every six months.

If you’re concerned about maintaining the color of your composite filling – it is susceptible to staining from foods such as red wine and coffee – your dentist can place a clear plastic coating over the composite to preserve its shade.