When part of the tooth has been damaged by decay or trauma and the lesion is from small to mid-size, composite fillings are a good alternative to replace the affected area and restore the function, integrity and shape of the tooth.

Amalgams were and still are widely used in some areas, but with technological improvements of composite material, nowadays we can offer our patients tooth-colored restorations. They offer a more natural appearance, and due to the bonding capability, they can create a better seal and actually strengthen the filled tooth. Another advantage of composite dentals fillings is that, since they bond to the tooth, less tooth needs to be cut away, limiting the cut just to the extension of the decay. On the other hand, with amalgams, we need to create a larger hole to provide retention for the tooth filling because amalgams don’t adhere to the tooth. A disadvantage of composite filings, compared with silver fillings, is that composites themselves are weaker and may not last as long.