Composite filling is a dental bonding technique that has been used in cosmetic dentistry for many years and can transform your smile in just a single visit. The process involves the skilful use of dental composite, a mouldable material with a paste-like consistency made from acrylic resins and fillers. It is a safe and predictable alternative to traditional silver fillings.

What is the procedure?

If the procedure requires a local anaesthetic (not all bonding procedures do), your dentist will first numb the area by injecting a local anaesthetic into the gum area around the tooth. The tooth surface where the composite will be applied is thoroughly cleaned to remove any debris or tartar accumulation, as the composite needs a clean surface to bond to. Once your dentist has selected the correct shade of composite, the tooth is kept dry by surrounding it with cotton rolls or a latex sheet (rubber dam), and then shaped or roughened by the dentist using a special tool.

The surface of the tooth is then etched with a special phosphoric-acid-based gel, which provides a better surface for the composite to adhere to. The composite (bonding agent) is then applied to the etched tooth surface and exposed to a special light source (curing light), which activates the composite to harden and set. The bonding agent is often applied to the tooth in several thin layers (1mm-2 mm) until the desired shape, translucency and texture are achieved. The final step involves polishing and buffing the composite to give the desired shape and smooth finish.

What are the disadvantages of composite bonding?

The main drawbacks of bonding are that it doesn’t have the strength of other restorative materials such as ceramic or porcelain (see: dental crowns), and it has a greater tendency to stain than your surrounding natural teeth or porcelain.