Composite resin is one of the esthetically pleasing materials a dentist can use to restore both back and front teeth, because of its white colour. It is used to correct defects caused by cavities, fractures and faulty tooth positioning. Composite resin consists mainly of a polymer (plastic) and very hard, inert micro-particles.

Uses

Composite resin is used when a restoration is cracked or lost. It is also used to correct small to medium-sized imperfections due to caries. Composite resin offers adequate long-term resistance to cracking and wear and tear.

A more fluid version of composite resin is used as a sealant to prevent the development of cavities in the pits and fissures of the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Although it is used mainly for children, it is also suitable for adults.

Advantages

• Composite resin is available in many different shades and therefore offers a good range of colour-matching choices. The final result is very esthetically pleasing.
• Preparing a back tooth to receive a composite filling usually requires a smaller opening than is required for dental amalgam.

Disadvantages

• When composite resin is applied to a wide surface on back teeth, it is less durable than amalgam.
• If sealant is lost, there is a higher risk of secondary caries (adjacent to an already restored region).
• Composite resin restorations cost more than dental amalgam.

The photographs below show composite resin restorations on back teeth.

Removal of the caries on the upper surface of a molar, leaving a medium-size preparation.		Molar restored with composite resin.
Premolar with a defective amalgam restoration that must be replaced.		Premolar restored with composite resin.