From the time they were introduced in the early 1960s, the natural colored composite resin fillings have been growing in popularity. Made of acrylic and glass particles, their best advantage is the ability to match closely to the color of existing teeth. This effectively makes dental restorations invisible; a quality that is impossible with silver amalgam or gold. In addition to filling of cavities, composite materials are used in the restoration of chipped, broken or worn teeth. They last about five years, can become stained or chipped and may cost as twice as amalgam. They are still the more affordable than porcelain, the alternative natural-color filling.
Advantages of composite resin fillings
Natural look and color - Patients prefer the natural look and feel of the composite resin
dental restorations. Because composites can be made to match the exact shade and color of existing teeth, these fillings are best suited for restoring front teeth and those visible when laughing or talking.
Chemically bonds with tooth structure to provide additional support.
Versatile - Besides their use as a filling material in cavity restoration, composite resins are also used to repair broken, worn, and chipped teeth.
Spares tooth structure - Compared to amalgams, less of unaffected tooth need to be removed in preparation for a composite resin filling.
Causes little damage to opposing teeth - Unlike the super strong natural-color porcelain fillings, composite resins are not as abrasive. Nor do they cause as much damage to opposing teeth.
Versatile and welcome as they are, the composite resins are not without disadvantages.
Disadvantages of composite resin fillings
Expensive - Composite resin fillings are about as twice as expensive when compared with amalgam. But they are still far more affordable than gold and porcelains.
Tendency to stain - Unlike porcelain fillings which are relatively stain resistant, composite resins tend to stain and discolor over time when exposed to tea, coffee and tobacco products. They cannot be made whiter with bleaching.
Time consuming - Due to the process used in application, composite material fillings can up to 20 minutes longer than amalgams. Where composites are being used for inlays and onlays, additional visits may be necessary.
Lacks durability - Compared to amalgams that last 10 to 15 years, composite filling last about 5 years. And when used as filling in large cavities, composites may not last even that long due to pressure of chewing.
Prone to chipping - Composites have a tendency to become chipped; with the severity varying with the tooth location.
Insurance companies may not always pay for restoration of back teeth using composite fillings.
You can learn more about the more popular dental filling options in our article on
Dental Fillings - An Overview of Options. More about other alternatives to gold fillings are covered in our series of articles on Amalgam Dental Fillings,
Gold Dental Fillings and
Porcelain Dental Fillings.
