Composite is a mixture of acrylic resin and powdered glass-like particles that produce a tooth-coloured filling. This type of material may be self-hardening or may be hardened by exposure to blue light. Composite is used for fillings, inlays and veneers. Sometimes it is used to replace a portion of a broken or chipped tooth.
Advantages:
Colour and shading can be matched to the existing tooth.
Composite is a relatively strong material, providing good durability in small to mid-sized restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure.
Composite may generally be used on either front or back teeth.
Fillings are usually completed in a single visit (with exceptions noted below).
Moderately resistant to breakage.
Often permits preservation of as much of the tooth as possible.
Low risk of leakage if bonded only to enamel.
Does not corrode.
Generally, holds up well to biting force (dependent on the material used).
Moderately resistant to further decay, new decay is easy to find.
Frequency of repair or replacement is low to moderate.
Indirect Restoration
All-porcelain (ceramic) materials include porcelain, ceramic or glass-like fillings and crowns. They are used in inlays, onlays, crowns and cosmetic veneers. Porcelain fused to metal is another application for this material and has similar properties as described below with the notable exceptions of increased durability due to the metal substructure.
Advantages:
Colour and shading can be matched to the existing tooth.
Tooth-coloured with excellent translucency.
The colour looks similar to natural tooth enamel.
Very little tooth is removed when used as a veneer, more tooth is removed for a crown.
Good resistance to further decay if it fits well.
Is resistant to surface wear but can cause some wear on opposing teeth.
Resists leakage because of precise shaping and fitting.
Indirect Restoration
Gold alloys contain gold, copper and other metals that result in a strong, effective filling, crown or bridge. They are primarily used for inlays, onlays, crowns and fixed bridges.
Advantages:
Colour and shading can be matched to the existing tooth.
Excellent durability - does not crack under stress.
Good resistance to decay if it fits well.
A minimal amount of tooth structure needs to be removed.
Wears well, does not cause excessive wear to opposing teeth.
Resistant to corrosion and tarnishing.
Resists leakage because it can be shaped and fit very accurately.