Composite Fillings
Composites fillings are tooth colored restorations that are often referred to as "white" fillings.
Virtually undetectable, these fillings match the color of your teeth, are very durable, and do not contain mercury.
Amalgam (silver, metal fillings) has served the dental field well, but its time has passed. Amalgam was invented nearly 100 years ago. Recently concerns about the content of amalgam (particularly mercury) have generated enough controversy that amalgam has been made illegal to use in Norway. Sweden will follow soon, as will other European nations. It is only a matter of time until California makes amalgam illegal to use. After that, I'm sure that Washington will follow suit.
Although I disagree with the reasons behind the persecution of amalgam, it is indesputable that composite is a superior restorative material. The lifespan of composite is similar to that of amalgam (10-20 years), but its properties are more desirable. Composite does not swell as it ages, as amalgam does. This swelling results in tooth fractures that require crowns to repair. It is also possible to repair composite without removing the entire restoration, unlike amalgam. Lastly, composite is bonded to the tooth so it is substancially more supportive of the remaining tooth structure versus amalgam.
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