Tooth colored fillings are an effective and aesthetically pleasing solution to restore damaged or decayed teeth. Unlike the traditional dark fillings, modern tooth colored fillings will blend in perfectly with your natural tooth color. Many patients will ask their dentist questions about the materials used in these fillings and how safe they are.

This article will give you all the information you need to know about tooth colored fillings, including what they are made of, the types of materials used and the safety information from expert dentists.

What Are Tooth Colored Fillings Made Of?

Dentists will often refer to tooth colored fillings as composite resins. This advanced material is made up of tiny mineral particles mixed with exciting plastics to create a strong paste.

What Is Acrylic Resin?

  • The primary ingredient of a tooth colored filling is the liquid organic polymer.

  • This includes Bis-GMA (bis phenol A-glycidyl methacrylate) and UDMA (urethane dimethacrylate) which are strong binding agents.

What Are Mineral Fillers?

  • Within the tooth colored filling there are lots of tiny mineral particles.

  • This includes silica, quartz, glass or ceramic powder.

  • These make up 70-80% of the filling.

  • These minerals are extremely strong and will not wear easily.

  • They also have a natural translucency.

What Is a Coupling Agent?

  • These fillings include a silane coupling agent.

  • This is applied to the tiny glass particles to create a chemical bond between the hard mineral and liquid.

What Is a Photo-initiator?

  • These special chemicals are applied to the filling.

  • When the blue light is applied, the chemical will react instantly.

  • This will turn the soft paste into a hard solid.

Why Are Pigments Added to Tooth Colored Fillings?

– Small amounts of mineral pigments are included so dentists can match the exact color of your tooth.

What Are the Different Types Of Tooth Colored Fillings?

There are a few different tooth colored fillings available, depending on where the cavity is and your chewing requirements.

What Are Composite Resins?

  • Composite resins are the most popular type of tooth colored filling for front and back teeth.

  • This gives a very aesthetically pleasing filling.

  • It is very strong and easily polished.

What Are Glass Ionomer Cements?

  • These fillings are made up of silicate glass and poly-acrylic acid.

  • They naturally release fluoride which makes them perfect for children or root line decay.

Resin-modified glass ionomers: what are they?

  • This is a combination of glass ionomer and acrylic resin.

  • It is stronger than glass ionomer but still releases fluoride.

Ceramic vs porcelain fillings?

  • Ceramic fillings are made in a dental lab and are used for large cavities.

  • This is a very stain resistant material and very strong.

How Are Composite Fillings Applied?

Composite fillings require great precision and must be isolated to ensure a strong bond.

Tooth decay removal methods?

  • Firstly your dentist will numb the area.

  • All of the decayed enamel and infected bacteria will then be removed.

How Is the Tooth Etched?

  • Your dentist will apply a mild acidic gel to the tiny holes on the surface of your enamel.

  • This will create a rough texture to help the bonding agent stick.

How should the bonding agent be properly applied?

  • Your dentist will apply the bonding agent.

  • This is a liquid which will be applied to the etched surface.

  • It will then be lightly blown around with an air stream and cured with light.

What method applies to the composite paste?

  • Your dentist will then apply the soft tooth colored paste.

  • This will be applied in thin layers to recreate the natural ridges and grooves.

What is the process for curing composite fillings with light?

– Each layer of resin will be cured for 20-40 seconds using a special blue LED light.

How Are Composite Fillings Polished?

  • Your dentist will check your using articulating paper.

  • Any high points will be smoothed down and the filling polished.

Are Tooth Colored Fillings Safe?

Many patients worry about the chemicals used in modern dentistry. However all composite resins have been tested and proven to be safe.

Are Tooth Colored Fillings Recommended By Major Dental Health Groups?

  • All composite resin fillings have been approved by the American Dental Association, World Health Organization and international dental research groups.

  • This means they are safe to use on children and adults.

Do Tooth Colored Fillings Contain BPA Traces?

  • Some of the ingredients can be traced back to BPA related compounds.

  • However, independent testing has shown that dental composites will release very little traces once cured and these have no effect on your health.

Do Tooth Colored Fillings Contain Mercury?

  • Composite fillings will not contain any metal mercury.

  • This gives an alternative to traditional silver amalgam fillings.

Are Tooth Colored Fillings Soft On Gums?

  • High quality composite fillings are bio compatible.

  • Your soft gums will not cause any inflammation as the composite has been polished.

What Are the Benefits Of Composite Resins?

Using tooth colored composites will provide many benefits.

How Do Composite Resins Provide a Natural Look?

  • Your dentist will use specially created shades to match your exact tooth color.

  • This will make the filling nearly invisible.

How Do Composite Resins Provide a Strong Bond?

  • The composite resin will bond directly to your enamel and dentin.

  • This means a lot of the natural strength has been restored.

Do Composite Resins Require Less Removal Of Natural Tooth?

  • Traditional metal fillings require more natural tooth to be removed to create grooves for retention.

  • With composites, your dentist will only remove the decayed parts of your tooth.

Do Composite Resins Cause Less Sensitivity To Temperature?

  • The resins will insulate your tooth from sudden temperature changes.

  • This will protect your nerve from causing any sharp pain when having a hot cup of coffee or cold water.

What Are the Multi-Purpose Uses of Composite Resins?

– Composite resins can be used to fill cavities, repair chipped areas, fill gaps between teeth and smooth worn enamel.

How Can You Care For Your Tooth Colored Fillings?

By caring for your fillings correctly you will prevent them from wearing prematurely, staining and developing decay.

Brushing twice a day: why is it essential?

  • Brush your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day.

  • Use a soft bristle brush and fluoridated toothpaste.

Flossing daily—why is it beneficial?

  • Floss between all of your teeth daily.

  • Gently slide the floss through your teeth to remove any food or plaque build-up from your fillings.

Should you avoid dark drinks?

  • Drinks such as coffee, dark teas, red wine and berry juices can cause staining to your fillings.

  • Try to rinse your mouth with water after drinking highly pigmented drinks.

Why Should You Avoid Biting Hard Objects?

  • Avoid biting into ice cubes, hard sweets, pen tops or fingernails.

  • This can cause the composite to chip or crack due to the heavy force.

Why Are Regular Check Ups Important?

  • Visit your dentist every 6 months for a professional clean.

  • Your dentist will check your fillings for any microscopic wear.

What Are the Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Colored Fillings?

How Long Will My Tooth Colored Filling Last?

  • A high quality composite filling should last between 7-10 years.

  • If you look after your teeth well and attend regular check-ups.

  • Inlay’s made from ceramic or porcelain can last 15+ years due to the density of the material.

Will My Fillings Stain?

  • Yes, over time your fillings can become stained.

  • To keep your fillings bright, drink plenty of water, avoid dark drinks and have regular polishing.

Is It Painful to Have a Composite Filling?

  • No, your dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding gum with local anesthetic.

  • You will feel slight pressure whilst your dentist is shaping the filling.

Why Do I Have Sensitivity to Cold Foods?

  • You may experience some sensitivity to cold or biting for a few days.

  • This is because your tooth nerve is reacting to the deep cleaning and light.

  • This will usually go within 1-2 weeks.

Tooth colored fillings are a safe option to use as they are made up of acrylic resins and tiny glass minerals. The composite resin will bond directly to your natural enamel. This will improve the strength of your teeth and stop bacteria entering. Speak to your dentist to assess your teeth and see if tooth colored fillings will be the best option for your dental health.