Tooth-Coloured Fillings at Blockhouse Bay Dental Centre

Composites are composed of microscopic quartz filler particles in a resin matrix. They were first developed around 40 years ago but the early materials had numerous problems. Rapid improvements have been achieved in the last 10 years and the result is strength and durability similar to that achieved with amalgam.

Advantages of Composite:

• Same colour as your tooth.
• Less cutting of your tooth is required so remaining tooth is stronger.
• Strong adhesion irrespective of the shape of the cavity once the decay has been removed.
• Strong bonding to your enamel, the composite is bonded so strongly that the enamel would be more likely to break away from the underlying dentine than the filling.
• Reduces the chance of your tooth breaking. When the filling sets it contracts pulling the walls of the tooth together.
• You can eat on it immediately. Composites are at full strength as soon as the curing light is removed.

Disadvantages of Composite:

• Technique sensitive, badly placed composites will fail sooner.
• Placement is a longer procedure.
• Generally more expensive than amalgam.

Adhesive Dentistry (Bonding)

Cracked, decayed and chipped teeth are common but they can flaw your smile and create the wrong first impression. Whether as a result of brushing, decay or just bad luck, many damaged or disfigured teeth can be restored in a single visit. Because the dentist adheres the restorative materials directly to your teeth, this technique is called “direct adhesion” or bonding.

The advantage of this technique is that it preserves your existing natural tooth material. The procedures employed are totally painless and so no anaesthetic is required.

Tooth-Coloured Fillings Blockhouse Bay, Lynfield, West Auckland, Titirangi, Green Bay, New Lynn | 09 627 9970