Fillings in Tooth Shades (Composite Fillings)
Introduction
Our dental office has been an “amalgam-free zone” for a while, and so the search for possible alternatives to amalgam began years ago. Modern tooth-shaded filling resins (also known as “composites”, made from an acrylic base with inorganic fillers) are of a high-quality standard. Above all, these composite fillings are the best choice for front teeth (incisors, canines), as well as smaller posterior fillings.
The adhesive bond between acrylic and enamel is achieved through etching and application of primer to the tooth’s surface. In this way, even fragile teeth are strengthened. For almost every tooth shade there is a similarly shaded composite available, almost always allowing perfect aesthetic adaptation of the filling.
Fillings in Tooth Shades (Composite Fillings)
Our dental office has been an “amalgam-free zone” for a while, and so the search for possible alternatives to amalgam began years ago. Modern tooth-shaded filling resins (also known as “composites”, made from an acrylic base with inorganic fillers) are of a high-quality standard. Above all, these composite fillings are the best choice for front teeth (incisors, canines), as well as smaller posterior fillings.
The adhesive bond between acrylic and enamel is achieved through etching and application of primer to the tooth’s surface. In this way, even fragile teeth are strengthened. For almost every tooth shade there is a similarly shaded composite available, almost always allowing perfect aesthetic adaptation of the filling.
What are the disadvantages of composite fillings?
While acrylic resin is a marvellous material for anterior use and for repairing smaller defects surrounded by enamel substance, its use in large posterior fillings, where the cavity reaches deep into the interdental space, can be problematic. Occasionally this may result in persistent bite sensitivity. Even now, there is no reasonable explanation for this. Another problem is the formation of micro-gapsbetween tooth and filling, due to the shrinking of composite materials during the polymerization. After several years, this could lead to bacterial infiltration and caries. In addition, the filling can become discoloured and, after a time, be worn down by chewing (abrasion).
Advantages and disadvantages of composite resin fillings
+ Fairly inexpensive
+ Strengthening of the tooth
+ Good aesthetics
+ Treatment in only one session
+ No long-term stability of larger fillings
- Occasional bite sensitivity
- Possibility of discolouration and abrasion
- Problems with defects reaching deep under the gums