Have you ever noticed how a single discoloured or silver filling can distract from your smile? For years, patients had no choice but to use metal fillings, which often stood out every time they spoke or laughed. Thankfully, modern dentistry offers a solution that is not only durable but also blends seamlessly with your natural teeth: the composite filling.
At Bexley Dental, we’ve seen first-hand how composite fillings not only restore the health of your teeth, but also dramatically improve their appearance. In this article, we’ll explain what composite fillings are, how they work, and why they could be the right choice if you’re looking to enhance your smile.
What Are Composite Fillings?
A composite filling is a tooth-coloured material made from a blend of resin and fine glass particles. Unlike traditional amalgam (silver) fillings, composite fillings are designed to look just like your natural tooth. This means they can be used not only for repairing cavities but also for cosmetic purposes such as reshaping teeth, fixing chips, or closing small gaps.
Composite resin technology has come a long way since its introduction in the 1960s. Early versions were only suitable for front teeth because they couldn’t withstand the pressure of chewing. Today, however, advanced composite materials are durable enough to be placed on both front and back teeth, giving patients a strong, natural-looking solution.
The Cosmetic Benefits of Composite Fillings
1. A Natural, Tooth-Coloured Finish
The most obvious benefit of a composite filling is its appearance. The resin can be matched to the exact shade of your surrounding teeth, making the restoration virtually invisible. Unlike silver or gold fillings, which are easy to spot, a composite filling blends seamlessly into your smile.
2. Restores Shape and Function
Composite fillings are highly versatile. Beyond filling cavities, they can be used for dental bonding, a cosmetic treatment where the resin is applied to the tooth surface to reshape it, improve alignment, or repair chips. This flexibility allows dentists to not only treat decay but also enhance your overall smile.
3. Strengthens the Tooth
Composite resin doesn’t just sit on the tooth; it bonds chemically to the enamel and dentin. This means the filling supports the tooth structure, reducing the risk of breakage compared to other materials.
4. Minimally Invasive
Because composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, less drilling is required to be compared to amalgam fillings. This preserves more of your natural tooth structure, which is always a priority in modern dentistry.
5. Safe and Mercury-Free
Amalgam fillings contain mercury, a material that many patients want to avoid. Composite fillings are mercury-free, making them a safer and more eco-conscious option.
Why Patients Prefer Composite Fillings Over Amalgam
For decades, amalgam was considered the standard for dental restorations, especially in back teeth. However, many patients dislike the metallic appearance and concerns around mercury exposure. Composite fillings solve both problems by being:
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Mercury-free
- Stronger thanks to bonding technology
- Less invasive in terms of tooth preparation
It’s no wonder that more patients are choosing composite fillings not just for cavities, but also as part of cosmetic dental makeovers.
Composite Fillings as a Cosmetic Treatment
While most people think of fillings as a purely functional treatment, composite resin opens the door to cosmetic applications as well. Dental bonding, for example, uses the same material to improve the look of your teeth. With bonding, a dentist can:
- Close small gaps between teeth
- Reshape uneven or worn teeth
- Repair chips and cracks
- Cover stains or discolouration
This makes composite resin one of the most versatile tools in cosmetic dentistry.
Aftercare: Keeping Your Composite Filling Looking Great
Composite fillings are durable, but like natural teeth, they require proper care. Here are some tips to extend their lifespan:
- Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to prevent plaque buildup
- Avoid biting down on hard objects (like pens or ice)
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
With the right care, a composite filling can last 7–10 years or longer.
Are Composite Fillings Right for You?
If you’re unhappy with the way your old fillings look, or if you need a cavity repaired, composite fillings could be the perfect solution. They combine strength, safety, and stunning aesthetics, making them an ideal choice for patients who want both function and beauty.
Conclusion
Your smile deserves to look as healthy as it feels. With composite fillings, you can restore damaged teeth while achieving a natural, seamless appearance. Whether you require a small cavity repaired or want to improve the overall aesthetics of your smile, composite fillings offer a modern solution that blends artistry with science.
If you’d like to learn more or discuss whether a composite filling is right for you, contact the team at Bexley Dental today to book a consultation.
Start smiling with confidence, you deserve it.
📍 Bexley Dental
Address: 400 Forest Road, Bexley, NSW 2207
📞 Phone: (02) 9567 4151
🌐 Website: https://bexleydental.com.au/
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a composite filling?
A composite filling is a tooth-coloured dental restoration made from a mixture of resin and glass particles. It blends seamlessly with your natural teeth, making it an attractive alternative to silver or amalgam fillings.
2. Are composite fillings safe?
Yes. Composite fillings are mercury-free and biocompatible. Unlike amalgam fillings, they don’t contain metals that could expand, contract, or cause sensitivity.
3. How long do composite fillings last?
On average, composite fillings last 5–15 years, though with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, they can last even longer.
4. How is a composite filling placed?
Your dentist removes the decayed or damaged part of the tooth, applies the composite resin in layers, hardens it with a curing light, and then sculpts and polishes it to match your tooth’s shape and shine.
5. Do composite fillings stain over time?
Composite fillings are stain-resistant, but just like natural teeth, they can discolour if exposed frequently to coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco. Regular dental cleaning helps maintain their brightness.
6. How much do composite fillings cost?
The cost varies depending on the tooth, the size of the filling, and your location. Generally, they cost slightly more than amalgam fillings but offer significant cosmetic benefits.
7. Can composite fillings be repaired if damaged?
Yes. If a composite filling chips or wears down, your dentist can usually repair or replace just the damaged portion without needing to redo the entire filling.
