Composite Bonding Compared With Amalgam Fillings Staining

How Composite Bonding Stains

Composite resin does not stain from within like a natural tooth, but the surface is vulnerable to pigment becoming embedded in the bonding material, particularly if the surface is pitted or uneven.

A fresh bonding can appear almost invisible, but is unlikely to stay that way forever. A decade-long guarantee is too much to ask.

Surface Stains Are The Main Problem

• Coffee tends to produce more noticeable stains on composite bonding, especially if the surface has been affected by age and is no longer as smooth.

• Smoking can also result in more prominent staining, which may not always be remedied by polishing.

• A subtle change in shade may not always indicate a problem, and could be resolved by taking the patient to a hygienist to have the composite polished.

What Happens With Amalgam?

The initial colour of amalgam fillings means that surface staining is not usually an issue. Discolouration of the filling itself can occur over time, however, and the surrounding teeth can also darken slightly. In some cases, amalgam can create a dark halo effect around the filling site, although this is not necessarily an indicator of decay. Any unusual change in colour should be checked out by a dentist, but amalgam staining rarely indicates an underlying problem such as rot.

Which One Looks Better Over Time?

Composite resin is designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth, and is bonded to the tooth to create a realistic, lasting restoration. The dentist will select a shade that matches the patient’s teeth and carefully shape and polish the composite into place. When done correctly, composite bonding should eventually become completely unnoticeable.

Amalgam fillings cannot be used to restore the appearance of a chipped or stained tooth in this way. While they are incredibly strong and durable, amalgam fillings are unavoidably conspicuous.

Staining, Maintenance And Real Life

While composite bonding is not indestructible, it does require less maintenance than many patients realise. As with all dental restorations, however, it is important to keep up to date with hygiene appointments. Staining around the bonding site can sometimes indicate a problem with the restoration, rather than a cosmetic concern.

• Light polishing can often remove mild staining and whitening, but severe discolouration will likely require the composite to be replaced.

• Amalgam fillings will always have that unmistakable metallic colour, no matter how many times they are polished.

If a composite restoration is staining excessively, it is important to remember that replacement is not always the answer. The dentist will need to investigate potential causes such as the age of the restoration, and whether the bonding site is compromised in any way.