Composite Bonding is the use of tooth-colored resin material (also called composite) to restore teeth. This material can be used to restore teeth with cavities and to replace small chips in teeth. Composite bonding material is ideal for small fillings. Because composites are bonded to teeth they are much stronger than amalgam (silver) fillings. Composites are also much less likely to have marginal leakage or cause fractures in teeth like amalgams. Posterior teeth that have broken cusps, fractures, large leaky amalgams, or multiple weak surfaces are too usually too weak to be restored with composite. These weakened posterior teeth must be restored with metal or porcelain inlays, onlays, or crowns.

Our office does not place amalgam (silver) filling material to restore teeth in children or adults. Dr. Beasley eliminated the use of amalgam in his office in 1999 for many reasons outlined below:

Amalgam filling material contains mercury.

The mercury in an amalgam is like the mercury in a thermometer…when the temperature increases the mercury expands and rises…when the temperature decreases the mercury contracts and falls. Over the years this same process occurs in the amalgams in teeth. They expand slightly when something hot is consumed (like coffee) and they contract slightly when something cold is consumed (like ice cream). This expansion and contraction in many cases leads to leaking margins or fractures. Leaking margins turn into decay around or under the amalgam which many times is associated with no warning signs or discomfort to the patient. Fractures may or may not be associated with discomfort when biting or chewing hard or chewy foods.

Amalgams cannot be "bonded" to teeth. It is a proven fact that composites actually make teeth stronger and that amalgams actually make teeth weaker. It is also the inability to "bond" amalgam that causes teeth to be sensitive to air and cold temperatures for weeks or months later. Composite restorations are bonded and it is very common for patients to have ZERO sensitivity the very next day.

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