Dental composite resins (white fillings) are types of synthetic resins which are used in dentistry as restorative material or adhesives. Synthetic resins evolved as restorative materials since they were insoluble, aesthetically pleasing, insensitive to dehydration, easy to manipulate and reasonably inexpensive.

The main advantage of a direct dental composite over a traditional material such as amalgam is improved aesthetics. For years, amalgam was the only option for filling teeth. Those who wanted natural-looking restorations had to opt for more expensive cosmetic treatments, such as a dental crown. Composite resin enables dentists to cosmetically treat dental cavities without using invasive procedures.

Composites can be made in a wide range of tooth shades resulting in almost no visible signs of any dental work. Composites are glued into teeth and this strengthens the tooth's structure. For all these reasons, the public is demanding white fillings. And, with today's technology, composite fillings can easily withstand the stress required to serve in a back tooth.

Composites require less removal of tooth structure. Especially with new cavities, the size of the hole made for the filling can be dramatically smaller with composites.

Before you start replacing all of the silver in your mouth with composite resin dental fillings, keep in mind that it may not be for everyone. Here's what you need to know about composite resin before you have any work done:

The dentist begins the dental filling procedure by preparing the tooth and necessary surrounding areas in order to restore the damaged area. The decay or damage is removed with a dental hand-piece or laser, and the area is cleansed to remove bacteria or debris before the restoration is completed.

The first step in performing a composite filling procedure involves isolation of the tooth. Tooth isolation is critical in a composite restoration, because it prevents moisture from interfering with the bonding process. The bonding procedure requires the placement of various adhesives followed by the composite material, which is then hardened with a special bonding light. The completed composite restoration is both functional and natural looking.