Composite Fillings

Most people have fillings of one sort or another but today, because we are much more conscious of our smile, we can choose a natural looking alternative- the composite or tooth coloured filling. The tooth coloured, or white, filling is as effective as its silver counterpart and offers the same level of protection whilst also being almost invisible.

A little more about Composite Fillings

A composite resin is a tooth coloured plastic mixture filled with glass (silicone dioxide) first introduced in the 1960s. Originally only used for front teeth, because of their softer nature, modern improvements to their composition make them more suitable today.

Composite fillings are more difficult to place than silver fillings, so may take your dentist 15-20 minutes longer to complete. As composite fillings are a cosmetic treatment, they are not available on the NHS and must be paid for.

What are their advantages?

The main advantage of composite fillings is their aesthetic appeal. The main disadvantage is their life expectancy. Previously, white fillings have not lasted as long as silver amalgam fillings, but new materials are now available with properties comparable to silver amalgam, and these are proving to be very successful. The life expectancy of your composite filling can depend on the depth of cavity and its position in the mouth; your dentist is best positioned to advise you.