What Are Composite Fillings?

If you have cavities in your teeth, the last thing you’ll want to do is draw attention to the necessary dental work you’ve had to have. That’s why composite fillings, also known as ‘white fillings’ or ‘invisible fillings’ are becoming the go-to choice in dental restorations.

Composite fillings fulfil the same functions as traditional metal fillings and blend in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. So, it’s a no-brainer why patients prefer composite fillings.

If you need dental work and are weighing up your options, hopefully, this blog can answer some immediate questions, including – What are composite fillings and how do they compare to other dental restorations?

What are white fillings or invisible fillings?

To put it quite simply, white fillings are just that – a tooth-coloured resin material that is used to repair your natural teeth. They can repair many dental issues, restoring your teeth to their former glory (and probably even better than ever).

Made from a mixture of plastic resin and fine glass particles, these materials can be colour-matched to your natural teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable once applied. This is particularly beneficial for filling cavities in visible areas, such as the front teeth.

The difference between a composite filling and a traditional filling (also known as an amalgam filling) is that you can’t see the repair, hence where they get the nickname ‘invisible filling’.

Benefits

Needless to say, the first major benefit is that dental composite fillings blend beautifully with the rest of your teeth. Resin fillings can be matched to the colour of your natural tooth meaning you won’t be able to see the dental work you’ve had done, unlike with gold or silver fillings.

A composite filling can also strengthen your tooth structure and repair cracks, chips and general tooth decay. They’ll also improve the overall natural appearance of your teeth – the same material is used to create composite veneers and composite edge bonding.

Another major benefit is that they’re often less invasive than other types of filling because they don’t require extensive preparation of the tooth.

The composite filling procedure involves bonding the resin to the tooth’s surface which can result in a longer-lasting restoration compared to their metal counterparts.

The Composite Filling Procedure

Applying composite fillings begins with the dentist cleaning out any decayed material from the tooth. Once the cavity is prepared, a bonding agent is applied to help adhere the composite material securely to the tooth structure.

The dentist then layers the composite resin into the cavity, shaping it precisely before curing it with a special light that hardens the material instantly. One of the key advantages of composite fillings is their ability to bond directly with existing tooth structures, which helps preserve more of your natural tooth compared to traditional amalgam fillings.

Composite fillings will also expand and contract similarly to dental enamel when exposed to temperature changes—this minimises stress at the interface between filling and tooth.

Are there any downsides?

While composite materials are durable enough for everyday use, they may not be as strong as amalgam or gold fillings in areas subject to heavy chewing pressure.

If you are considering white fillings, discuss your specific dental needs with your dentist who can recommend appropriate restorative solutions based on your circumstances.

Can I replace my amalgam filling with a composite filling?

Absolutely. In most cases, your old filling can be switched out for an invisible filling however you’ll need to be assessed by the dentist to check your suitability.

Swapping a visible filling for a white filling can be life-changing, giving you the confidence to smile freely.

Do composite filling procedures work on front teeth?

The beauty of composite fillings is that they’re super versatile and can even be used on the front teeth. This is a huge benefit over more visible traditional fillings.

Does the procedure hurt?

Your dentist will give you a local anaesthetic so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. You may have some sensitivity in the area following your treatment but this should subside within a few days.

Are white fillings more expensive than traditional fillings?

Tooth-coloured fillings tend to be more expensive than amalgam fillings because of the materials used and specialist techniques that are required during the process.

Durability and Lifespan of Composite Fillings

With proper care, your composite filling could last seven years or longer. If composite fillings become damaged, they can easily be repaired.