Composite is a mixture of acrylic resin and
powdered glass-like particles that produce a
tooth-colored flling. This type of material may be
self-hardening or may be hardened by exposure to
blue light. Composite is used for fllings, inlays and
veneers. Sometimes it is used to replace a portion
of a broken or chipped tooth.
A DvAnTAges :
• Color and shading can be matched to the
existing tooth;
• Composite is a relatively strong material,
providing good durability in small to mid sized
restorations that need to withstand moderate
chewing pressure;
• Composite may generally be used on either
front or back teeth;
• Fillings are usually completed in a single
visit (with exceptions noted below);
• Moderately resistant to breakage;
• Often permits preservation of as much of the
tooth as possible;
• Low risk of leakage if bonded only to enamel;
• Does not corrode;
• Generally holds up well to biting force (dependent
on the material used);
• Moderately resistant to further decay, new
decay is easy to fnd;
• Frequency of repair or replacement is low to
moderate.
DI sA DvAnTAges :
• This type of flling can break and wear out more
easily than metal fllings, especially in areas of
heavy biting force. Therefore, composite fllings
may need to be replaced more often than metal
fllings;
• Compared to other fllings, composites are
sometimes diffcult and time-consuming to place.
They can not be used in all situations;
Composite generally is more expensive than
amalgam;
• May require more than one visit for inlays,
veneers and crowns;
• May wear faster than natural dental enamel;
• May leak over time when bonded beneath the
layer of enamel;
• In rare cases, a localized, allergic reaction such
as infammation or rash may occur.
amalgam;
• May require more than one visit for inlays,
veneers and crowns;
• May wear faster than natural dental enamel;
• May leak over time when bonded beneath the
layer of enamel;
• In rare cases, a localized, allergic reaction such
as infammation or rash may occur.