The material used for aesthetic fillings is composite. Composite is moldable like a firm paste, hardens with halogen light, and chemically bonds to the tooth.
How Is a Composite Filling Done?
These fillings are durable and can be applied to both front and back teeth. The decay is cleaned, and to minimize material loss, the surface may be prepared with beveling. After preparing the tooth, a bonding agent is applied to ensure adhesion between the tooth and composite, then hardened with light. Thin layers of composite material are placed and cured with light repeatedly until the cavity is completely filled. Finally, the height is checked and the surface is polished. This procedure takes longer than traditional amalgam fillings.
What Is a Porcelain Filling?
Porcelain fillings were developed to address limitations of composite and amalgam fillings. During curing, composite fillings may shrink slightly. Porcelain fillings are made in a lab based on a precise mold of the prepared tooth, eliminating fit issues. They are bonded to the tooth using special adhesive systems after placement.
Why Are Aesthetic Fillings Used?
Modern dental treatment aims to satisfy both visual and functional needs. Fillings should match the natural tooth shape and color, have invisible margins, and be indistinguishable from the natural tooth.
Are Aesthetic Fillings Durable?
While metal fillings were once considered more durable, advances in composite materials have made aesthetic fillings long-lasting, healthy, and highly resistant.
Do Aesthetic Fillings Have a Lifespan?
With regular oral care, aesthetic fillings do not deform or leak. Routine six-month dental check-ups help maintain polish and extend their longevity. The lifespan depends on oral hygiene practices.
Is Replacement Necessary Over Time?
No. As long as routine cleaning is maintained and there is no new decay, the aesthetic filling does not need to be replaced.
Do Aesthetic Fillings Protect Teeth?
Because they closely match the hardness of natural teeth and chemically bond to them, aesthetic fillings provide added protection against potential fractures.
Can Amalgam Fillings Be Replaced With Aesthetic Fillings?
Yes. If you are dissatisfied with the color of your fillings, amalgam fillings can be replaced with aesthetic fillings in a single session.
Aesthetic Filling vs. Porcelain Crown
Whenever possible, preserving natural tooth structure is preferred. For large cavities or fractures, the tooth’s strength is evaluated to determine if composite filling is sufficient. Advances in composite technology now allow many teeth that previously required crowns to be restored successfully with just fillings.
Aesthetic Fillings for Back Teeth
Porcelain inlay-onlay fillings are preferred for back teeth. Modern materials allow aesthetic and durable restorations for molars, replacing traditional amalgam fillings, which caused unnecessary material loss and aesthetic issues. Porcelain inlays and onlays provide both function and appearance while preserving remaining tooth structure.
How Are Porcelain Inlays and Onlays Applied?
The decayed areas are cleaned, an impression is taken, and the information is digitally processed. A porcelain inlay or onlay is fabricated to fit the tooth precisely, matched in color, and bonded chemically and mechanically to the tooth. This preserves tooth structure and prevents fracture.
Why Replace Old Amalgam Fillings?
Amalgam fillings contain mercury that can degrade over time and are prone to fracture. Under old fillings, decay may develop unnoticed. Replacing them with bonded composite or porcelain inlays/onlays protects the remaining tooth structure and provides a stronger, longer-lasting result.
Considerations for Root Canal-Treated vs. Vital Teeth
Materials selected for root canal-treated teeth may differ from those for living teeth, depending on structural needs and durability requirements.