1. White and Bright
Composite fillings are fillings made of a tooth colored plastic material. Because white fillings look so much like natural teeth it's hard to see where the filling ends and the tooth begins. White fillings not only deal with tooth decay, they restore the natural appearance of a healthy tooth. Composite fillings provide a more aesthetically pleasing look for people with a lot of cavities.
2. Why White?
Silver amalgam fillings are what most people get for back teeth. Most dentists feel the silver fillings are stronger, more durable and able to withstand the extreme pressures in the back of the mouth. However, new bonding technology makes composite filling stronger than ever before. With proper installation, composite fillings hold up well and do not weaken what is left of the actual tooth. Silver fillings on their own are very durable, but they tend to weaken the tooth over time and cause further breakage.
3. More Chair Time
Because of the difference in materials, composite fillings take longer to put in than traditional silver fillings. This is a down side for most people who don't like any reason for extra time in the dentist chair. Teeth needing composite fillings must be completely free from saliva during the process, so isolation of the tooth is necessary. Also, because of the high tech bonding procedure, the entire process takes much longer. Many dentists aren't experienced in the proper installation of composite fillings since it takes extra graduate level courses to learn new techniques.
4. Nicely Non-Toxic
Composite fillings have no risk of coming in contact with mercury. Silver fillings contain mercury which causes problems and, in high levels, mercury poisoning. This is especially dangerous in children. Composite fillings are made of durable plastic so mercury isn't an issue. Composite fillings also require less removal of the actual tooth, so the drilling portion isn't as extensive and unpleasant. Because they bond with the original tooth rather than just fill it, composite fillings restore the strength of the tooth itself.
5. Money, Money, Money
Silver fillings have one big advantage: they're cheaper. Composite fillings, when done properly, take about 60% longer to install that silver fillings. Most insurance companies won't pick up the extra cost for the composite procedure, so the extra money for the fillings becomes an out-of-pocket medical expense. The actual composite materials are more expensive that amalgams, so that drives up the cost of the procedure as well.
