What is a Composite Resin (White Filling)?
A composite tooth filling is a tooth-colored restoration made of plastic and glass particles used to repair decayed teeth. Because this type of tooth filling blends in with your natural teeth, many patients prefer this option. Composite resin fillings are used for cosmetic enhancements of the smile by altering the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.
How is a composite dental filling placed?
Our dentist isolates the tooth from saliva to keep it dry, then the infected part of the tooth is removed. Next, the dentist places the composite in layers, using a special light to harden each layer. Finally, the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth and then polish the composite to inhibit staining and early wear.
Advantages of composite dental filling
Aesthetics are the main benefit of composite resin fillings considering you can blend shades to create a color that matches your teeth. Also, less tooth has to be removed to place the composite filling..
What are the disadvantages?
A patient may experience postoperative sensitivity. Additionally, the color of the composite can change somewhat if the patient drinks tea, coffee or other staining foods. You do have options to prevent discoloring. Your dentist can set a clear plastic coating over the filling to prevent the colour from changing.
Dental Amalgams ( Silver Fillings)
Dental amalgam fillings are the most popular type of filling used in Canada today. Because these fillings are silver in colour, they are used to fill back teeth. They are a mix of metals such as mercury, silver, copper, and tin.
Advantages of Dental Amalgams
Dental Amalgams are the least expensive type of filling. And one visit to your dentist will do the job because there are easy to put in place. They also last a long time as they are less susceptible to recurrent decay and are more durable.
What are the disadvantages?
For people who want a more “natural look”, then the silver colour is not aesthetically appealing. There is a small amount of mercury released from the filling when you chew. Studies have shown that amalgam fillings do not cause illness.