Fillings

A variety of dental fillings used in cosmetic dentistry have changed the way cavities are viewed. Materials used today offer a natural-looking option to traditional amalgam
fillings.

Types of Fillings

Composite resin: Composite resin dental fillings are made of a mixture of durable plastic dental resin and fine glass particles. They are ideal for fillings on the front teeth, or in places that would be visible when smiling, laughing heartily or talking.

Composite resin fillings are stronger than amalgam fillings because they are bonded directly to the tooth. They also often require less drilling because less shaping is required to obtain a secure fit.

A special material is used to roughen the surface of the enamel and open up the pores of the tooth's dentin to achieve a stronger bond. Bond resin is applied to stick the composite to the tooth. This layer is then hardened and cured with a bright light.

Composite resin fillings are applied in thin layers and built up to form the complete filling.

Ceramics: Most frequently made of porcelain, ceramic fillings are more resistant to abrasion and staining than composite resin material. However, they can be more brittle than composite resin.

A tooth must be reduced in size to accommodate for the extra bulk necessitated by making a ceramic inlay or onlay large enough to prevent breakage.

Glass ionomer: This filling is made of acrylic and a specific type of glass material. There are traditional glass ionomer fillings, in which the material is set without the use of a bright light. There also are resin-modified and hybrid composite glass ionomer fillings. These are stronger than the traditional glass ionomer fillings. A bright blue light is used to set the material in these fillings.

Glass ionomer often is used to repair cavities in young children and cavities that are below the gum line. Glass ionomers release fluoride, which can serve to protect the tooth from additional decay.