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Composite vs. Amalgam Fillings: Unveiling the Benefits of Composite

  • Writer: Damian Burgess
    Damian Burgess
  • Mar 22
  • 3 min read

For years, when faced with a cavity, the standard solution was often an amalgam filling – that noticeable silver patch in your tooth. While durable and cost-effective, amalgam has some drawbacks. Today, composite fillings, often called "white fillings" or "tooth-coloured fillings," have become a popular and often preferred alternative. Let's explore the differences and highlight the compelling benefits of choosing composite. 


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Amalgam Fillings: The Traditional Choice

Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. They've been used for over a century due to their strength and affordability, particularly for back teeth that endure a lot of chewing force. However, their metallic appearance is a significant aesthetic concern for many. 


Composite Fillings: A Modern Approach

Composite fillings are crafted from a resin material, often combined with glass or ceramic particles. This allows dentists to closely match the natural shade of your teeth, making the filling virtually invisible. But the advantages of composite go far beyond just looks.


The Winning Benefits of Composite Fillings:

  1. Aesthetics and Natural Appearance: This is arguably the most significant advantage. Composite fillings blend seamlessly with your natural tooth colour, creating a more attractive and discreet restoration, especially crucial for front teeth or visible areas of the mouth. No more metallic glint when you smile!


  2. Preservation of Tooth Structure: Unlike amalgam fillings, which sometimes require the removal of more healthy tooth structure to create a mechanical retention for the filling, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth. This means less drilling and more of your natural tooth is preserved, contributing to the long-term strength and integrity of the tooth.


  3. Bonding Strength and Support: The direct bonding of composite material to the tooth structure actually strengthens the remaining tooth. This reinforced structure is less prone to fracturing compared to teeth filled with amalgam, which doesn't bond in the same way.


  4. Versatility in Use: Composite fillings aren't just for filling cavities. Their bonding capabilities allow dentists to use them for repairing chipped or cracked teeth and even for cosmetic enhancements like closing small gaps between teeth (a procedure called composite bonding).


  5. Reduced Sensitivity: Composite fillings are less likely to cause temperature sensitivity compared to amalgam. Metals conduct heat and cold more readily, which can lead to discomfort, especially after a filling is newly placed. Composite resin acts more like natural tooth material in terms of thermal conductivity.


  6. No Mercury Concerns: While the scientific consensus is that amalgam fillings are generally safe, some individuals have concerns about the mercury content. Composite fillings offer a mercury-free alternative, providing peace of mind for those who prefer to avoid this material. Notably, the use of mercury in dental fillings is being phased down in many regions.


  7. Repairability: If a composite filling gets damaged, it can often be easily repaired or added to, rather than requiring a complete replacement.



Potential Considerations:

While composite fillings offer numerous benefits, it's important to consider a couple of points:


●      Durability: While modern composites are quite strong and durable, they may not last as long as amalgam fillings in areas of very heavy chewing, although the lifespan is often comparable with good oral hygiene (typically 5-10 years).


●      Cost: Composite fillings are generally more expensive than amalgam fillings due to the material cost and the more technique-sensitive placement process.


●      Placement Time: Placing a composite filling often takes slightly longer than an amalgam filling because the tooth needs to be completely dry for proper bonding, and the material is typically applied in layers.

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