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Tooth colored fillings are also referred to as composites, because they are composed of a complex composite of plastic and zirconia/silica.
Composites were introduced in the 1960’s, and have undergone continual improvements in durability, color stability, material handling qualities, and esthetics.
Fillings are considered one type of tooth restoration. Other restorations include inlays onlays, veneers and crowns.
Tooth colored fillings are actually bonded to teeth compared to silver / amalgam fillings, which are not.
Tooth colored filling material comes in a great number of colors (shades), and are matched to your individual tooth color. Typically, a different type of material is used for front and back teeth. The materials used for front teeth have a high shine; whereas, the materials for back teeth are designed for strength — both look great! It’s nice that if you have a filling it can be virtually undetectable.
Tooth colored fillings now are harder and more durable than silver / amalgam fillings. A small filling could conceivably last your lifetime, and larger fillings can be expected to last many years. The factors that determine the lifespan of a particular filling include: the tooth (molars take more force than bicuspids), the size of the filling relative to the tooth (smaller fillings will usually be more durable than larger fillings), and how teeth are cleaned and maintained daily.
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