Composite Fillings - Pros, Cons, Costs & Pictures

Tooth-colored composite fillings are one of the most common treatments for cavities today. If you’re comparing them with “metal” options like amalgam, you’re not alone—many people want a restoration that’s safe, strong, and nearly invisible.

Still, it’s normal to have questions about how long composites last, whether they release chemicals like BPA, and how much they’ll cost out of pocket. Let’s walk through what makes composite fillings different and when they’re the right choice.

What are Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings are tooth-colored restorations used to treat cavities. They’re made of a soft resin-based material that contains tiny glass or ceramic particles for added strength.

Your dentist sculpts this mixture into the prepared area of your tooth, then hardens it using a curing light. Unlike metal fillings, composites bond directly to your tooth.

This bonding process helps preserve more of your natural enamel, giving the finished result a natural appearance. Over time, improvements in the material’s composition have made composite fillings more durable and widely used for front and back teeth alike.

Composite is often chosen for its:

• Tooth-like appearance, especially for visible teeth
  
• Conservative preparation, meaning less healthy tooth is removed
  
• Versatile use, including for small chips, gaps, or cosmetic reshaping

Ask your dentist to confirm whether bonding is appropriate for your specific tooth.

When Should You Get Composite Fillings?

Composite is a good choice for many, but not all, dental restorations. Whether it’s the best fit depends on the size of the cavity, where the tooth sits in your mouth, and how well your dentist can keep the area dry during the procedure.

Here are common factors that support choosing composite:

• Smaller cavities in teeth that don’t carry the bulk of your bite
  
• Front teeth or premolars where appearance matters
  
• Good isolation—your dentist can keep the tooth dry during bonding
  
• You want a tooth-colored result and are comfortable with slightly higher costs

In cases where the cavity is large or you have habits such as grinding your teeth, your dentist may recommend alternative restorations, like onlays or full crowns.

Composite Versus Other Options

Composite resin is one of several materials used to repair teeth. Each type has pros and cons depending on your needs, budget, and the tooth being restored.

Here’s how composite compares to other common options:

• Amalgam (silver) is more durable in high-stress areas and often less expensive, but it's noticeable and contains mercury.
  
• Glass ionomer is tooth-colored and releases fluoride, but generally isn’t strong enough for biting surfaces.
  
• Compomer blends some properties of composite and glass ionomer, used mainly for baby teeth.
  
• Ceramic/porcelain offers high strength and stain resistance, but may require more tooth reduction and comes at a higher cost.
  
• Gold is the most durable and gentle on other teeth, but very visible and pricey.

Recent guidelines support composite as one of several recommended options for many routine fillings. Still, for large back teeth or in people who grind their teeth, alternatives like crowns or inlays may last longer.

Are Composite Fillings Safe?

Composite fillings are generally considered safe, and concerns about BPA or chemical leaching are often based on outdated or misunderstood information.

Evidence shows BPA exposure from resin-based materials is small and short-lived (typically 24–48 hours), and proper placement steps (full cure plus wiping/rinsing or surface sealing) further minimize exposure.

Composite resins contain monomers (liquid building blocks like UDMA and Bis-GMA) that harden when exposed to light. BPA isn’t a main ingredient, but trace amounts can appear as a byproduct or from surface layers. These amounts are very small and typically decrease to negligible levels within 24 hours.

To reduce exposure even further, dentists may:

• Use a rubber dam to isolate the tooth from saliva
  
• Cure the filling fully and in thin layers
  
• Wipe or polish the surface after curing to remove any residue
  
• Apply a glycerin gel before the final cure to seal the surface layer

If you need reassurance, you can ask your dentist which steps they use to minimize monomer exposure during curing and finishing.

How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?

Composite fillings are built to last several years, especially when placed in small- to medium-sized cavities on low-stress teeth. Their lifespan is influenced by factors such as oral hygiene, cavity size, bite force, and the quality of the filling placement.

Many failures aren’t due to the material breaking but to new decay at the filling's edges. That’s why brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups are so important.

Some data suggest that composites can last 7 to 10 years or more in low-risk cases, while others show higher replacement rates when risk factors, such as poor diet or bruxism, are present.

Costs and Insurance for Composite Fillings

Composite fillings often cost more than metal ones, typically ranging from $90 to $450 depending on the tooth, number of surfaces, and local rates. Amalgam fillings, by contrast, typically cost between $50 and $300.

Some dental insurance plans partially cover composites, but only up to the cost of amalgam. This is called a "posterior composite downgrade." In those cases, you pay the difference.

Here are some questions to ask your insurance before treatment:

• Does my plan cover composite fillings on back teeth?
  
• Will I pay more for composite than for amalgam?
  
• Can I request a pre-treatment estimate to avoid surprises?

We suggest calling your plan about “posterior composite downgrades” before treatment and requesting a pre-estimate.

What To Expect from a Composite Filling Procedure

Getting a composite filling is a straightforward process that usually takes 30–60 minutes. It’s more technique-sensitive than placing amalgam but has the benefit of bonding directly to your tooth.

Here’s what typically happens at your appointment:

1. Numbing ⁠— A local anesthetic is applied to keep you comfortable.
   
2. Decay removal ⁠— Your dentist clears the damaged area using a dental drill.
   
3. Bonding ⁠— An adhesive is placed, followed by the composite material.
   
4. Curing ⁠— Each layer (no more than 2 mm for conventional composites) is hardened with a curing light.
   
5. Shaping and bite check ⁠— The filling is polished and adjusted so your bite feels normal.

Plan to avoid chewing while numb and test your bite gently the evening after your procedure.

Aftercare Tips

It’s common to have mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure for a few days. That should fade as the tooth settles. If you feel a sharp pain when biting down, the filling may need a quick adjustment.

To help your filling last:

• Avoid staining drinks like coffee or red wine right after placement.
  
• Brush and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup around the edges.
  
• Stay on top of checkups to catch problems early.

Brush and floss normally and call your dentist if pain persists or worsens.

Tips to Prepare for Your Appointment

Before your filling appointment, it helps to share relevant health info and ask the right questions.

Here are some questions you can ask your dentist:

• Is composite the best option for this tooth?
  
• Will insurance fully cover it?
  
• Do I have any bite or grinding issues that could affect the filling?
  
• How long should this filling last in my case?

Bring your medication list and habits so your dentist can tailor a plan that suits you.