Tooth colored fillings, also known as composites, are materials that can be bonded (adhered) to teeth. This allows a smaller, more conservative filling then with dark metallic materials.
Composite is made of microscopic particles of sand, ceramics and resins.
Composite can match the shade, shape and wear of teeth better and more conservatively than other filling materials.
Because of the strength of the bond, it can strengthen rather than weaken the tooth in which it is placed.
How is composite bonding done?
All decay and old filling material is removed from the tooth.
The tooth is treated with a mild acid that cleans and opens microscopic pores into the surface of the tooth. A watery thin layer of composite (a bonding agent) is painted onto the prepared tooth surface. This layer flows into the pores.
A bluish bonding light sets the material.
Layers of composite are added until the tooth is completely filled.
The filling is adjusted to a proper fit and then polished.
