What are Composite Fillings Made of?

Composite fillings, also known as white or tooth-colored fillings, are a common solution for repairing cavities and minor damage to teeth. These fillings blend with the natural color of your teeth which makes them a popular choice for many people. But what exactly is composite filling material? Let’s find out what are the ingredients in composite fillings?

What are Dental Fillings Made of?

Dental fillings restore the function, integrity, and morphology of missing tooth structures resulting from caries or external trauma. Different types of dental fillings in Arizona are made from various materials, each with unique properties. Here are the main types of dental fillings and their compositions:

Amalgam

• Mercury (Hg): Binding agent, approximately 50% by weight.
• Silver (Ag): 22-32%, providing strength and durability.
• Tin (Sn): 14%, improving workability and corrosion resistance.
• Copper (Cu): 8-15%, increasing strength and reducing corrosion.
• Zinc (Zn): Less than 1%, acting as a deoxidizer.

Composite

• Resin Matrix: Binding foundation.
• Filler Particles: Strength enhancers.
• Coupling Agent: Bonding bridge.
• Initiators and Accelerators: Reaction starters.
• Stabilizers and Pigments: Color and durability agents.

Ceramic (Porcelain)

• Feldspathic Porcelain: Traditional aesthetic.
• Lithium Disilicate (e.max): High strength and beauty.
• Zirconia (Zirconium Dioxide): Exceptional durability.
• Alumina-Based Ceramics: Robust and reliable.

Gold

• Gold Alloy: Durable blend.
• Gold Foil: Pure precision.

Glass Ionomer

• Acrylic Resin: Versatile plastic that forms the base matrix.
• Fluoroaluminosilicate Glass: Provides strength and releases fluoride.
• Water: Essential for the setting reaction.
• Polyacrylic Acid: Adhesive polymer that binds the components.

Resin Ionomer

• Acrylic Resin and Glass Fillers: Enhanced composite.
• Fluoride-Releasing Components: Prevents further decay.

What are Resin Fillings Made of?

Among composite filling materials, there are Resin fillings, also known as composite or tooth-colored fillings. They are made from a mixture of materials that provide strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. The primary components of resin fillings include:

• Resin Matrix

• Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate (Bis-GMA) or Urethane Dimethacrylate (UDMA): Resins that form the base matrix of the composite, provide the foundational structure and polymerize the process.
• Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate (TEGDMA): Adjusts the viscosity and enhances the flow.

• Filler Particles

• Silica (SiO2): Fine glass or quartz particles that provide strength and radiopacity.
• Barium Glass: Enhances radiopacity and makes the fillings visible on X-rays.
• Zirconia/Silica: Nano-sized particles that improve polishability.

• Initiators and Accelerators

• Camphorquinone (CQ): Hardens the composite when exposed to blue light (curing light).
• Amine Accelerators: Speeds up the hardening process.

• Stabilizers and Pigments

• UV Stabilizers: Prevent the composite from discoloring or breaking down when exposed to ultraviolet light.
• Pigments: Match the color of the composite to the natural tooth.

• Coupling Agent

• Silane Coupling Agent: Bonds the resin matrix to the filler particles.

What are Porcelain Fillings Made of?

Porcelain fillings, also known as ceramic fillings, are designed to provide durability, strength, and a natural appearance. This composite filling material used in porcelain fillings includes:

• Feldspathic Porcelain

• Traditional ceramic is made from silica, alumina, and feldspar.
• Highly esthetic with high translucency and a natural tooth color match.
• Used for veneers and cosmetic restorations.

• Lithium Disilicate (e.max):

• A glass-ceramic composed of lithium disilicate crystals.
• Offers both high strength and excellent aesthetics.
• Suitable for both anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth restorations.

• Zirconia (Zirconium Dioxide):

• Extra strong and durable ceramic material.
• Less translucent than feldspathic porcelain or lithium disilicate but highly resistant to fracture.
• Used for crowns and bridges focusing on strength.

• Alumina-Based Ceramics:

• Made from aluminum oxide.
• Strong and biocompatible.
• Less commonly used than lithium disilicate or zirconia.

What are Metal Fillings Made of?

Metal fillings can refer to both amalgam, also known as Silver fillings, and gold fillings. Gold fillings are made from a gold alloy, which is highly durable and can last a lifetime. The typical composite filling material with amalgam includes the following components:

• Mercury (Hg): Forms a hard, durable substance with about 50% weight of the mixture.
• Silver (Ag): Contributes to the amalgam’s characteristic color with 22-32% of the amalgam.
• Tin (Sn): Improves the amalgam’s workability and expandability and is corrosion-resistant with 14% of the mixture.
• Copper (Cu): Enhances strength and reduces corrosion with about 8-15% of the amalgam.
• Zinc (Zn): Sometimes included in small amounts (1% or less) and helps prevent oxidation of the other metals during the setting process.

What are Amalgam Fillings Made of?

Amalgam fillings, commonly known as silver fillings, are composed of a mixture of metals with their fillings, differentiated by their composition and particle size:

• Low-Copper: Contains about 5% or less copper which is now replaced by high-copper amalgam. They are prone to corrosion and marginal breakdown over time.
• High-Copper: Contains 12-30% copper, which offers greater strength, reduced corrosion, and improved longevity compared to low-copper amalgams.
• Admixed (Dispersalloy): A mixture of lathe-cut and spherical particles with good handling properties and strong marginal integrity. They provide better adaptation to cavity walls.
• Single-Composition (Spherical): Composed entirely of spherical particles and requires less mercury. They are easier to condense and are used for large restorations and core build-ups.

What are Black Fillings Made of?

The term black fillings generally refers to older silver amalgam fillings that appear black over time due to oxidation. These composite filling materials are the same materials used in silver fillings, primarily mercury, and silver, but their color can change as they age.

The Best Composite Fillings Here in Arizona

At Atrium Dental, we offer personalized dental care with state-of-the-art technology. Whether you need a routine cleaning, a filling, or a complete smile makeover, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us to schedule your appointment and experience the difference.

Conclusion

Various dental composite filling materials are designed to meet specific needs and preferences. Composite fillings, made of resin and glass particles, offer a natural-looking option for tooth repair. Understanding the different types of composite filling material can help enhance your smile and provide you with better dental care.

FAQs

How long do composite fillings last?

With proper care, composite fillings can last up to 7-10 years.

Are composite fillings safe?

Yes, composite fillings are safe and commonly used in dental practices.

Can composite fillings be used on front teeth?

Yes, they are ideal for front teeth due to their natural appearance.