A tooth-coloured (resin composite) filling is a light-cured, tooth-coloured material: only the damaged part of the tooth is treated, so healthy structure is preserved (minimally invasive). It is used on front and back teeth affected by decay, fracture or loss of tooth structure, is usually completed in a single visit, and can be easily repaired when needed.
Which type of filling is right for you is decided by an in-person examination and, if needed, an X-ray — no plan or price is confirmed before that.
Resin composite is a tooth-coloured, aesthetic filling material. Applied in layers, it rebuilds the shape, colour and function of the tooth close to its natural form. The aim is to preserve healthy tooth structure and repair only the damaged area.
Long-term clinical studies have found that posterior composite fillings show an annual failure rate of approximately 2.4% at 10 years — meaning the large majority stay in function for years (systematic review and meta-analysis, Journal of Dental Research, 2014). The outcome varies from person to person depending on caries risk, the size of the filling and oral hygiene.
Where healthy tooth structure can be preserved, only the damaged part of the tooth is treated. An early, minimal approach helps the tooth last longer — that is the foundation of our approach.
The points below are general guidance; suitability is confirmed only by an examination.
Depending on how much tooth structure has been lost, a direct resin composite filling may fall short. For moderate-to-large loss, indirect resin composite restorations (inlay – onlay – overlay) — prepared in a laboratory and bonded to the tooth — may be preferred; this gives a more durable, better-fitting surface than a filling. Where the loss of tooth structure is very advanced and the tooth is at high risk of fracture, a full crown that covers the whole tooth (for example a zirconia crown) may be needed. Which option is right is decided by how much healthy tooth remains and the examination findings.
This tooth-coloured method is a minimally invasive solution that preserves healthy tooth structure.
Healthy tissue is preserved; only the damaged area is treated.
Matched to the tooth colour; can be applied on front and back teeth.
Usually completed in a single visit; can be easily repaired when needed.
Both can do the job of a filling; the real difference is aesthetic match and how much healthy tooth is preserved.
| Feature | aesthetic & conservative Resin Composite | Amalgam (silver filling) |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetics | Matches tooth colour | Metallic grey |
| Tooth structure loss | Minimal | Requires more tooth removal |
| Main drawback | Can discolour over time | Mercury content — harmful to the environment during removal/placement |
The core principle we follow is to carry out irreversible procedures only when they are genuinely needed, and to preserve healthy tooth structure. Which filling is right depends on the position of the tooth, the amount of tooth structure lost and the examination findings. Good planning starts by avoiding unnecessary treatment.
We base our clinical choice on evidence — along the lines of both preserving the tooth and environmental responsibility.
Amalgam fillings have around 150 years of clinically accepted success. Even so, because they cause more loss of tooth structure than necessary and — more importantly — because the mercury released is harmful to the environment, we do not place amalgam fillings at our clinic; instead we work with resin composite, which preserves more healthy tooth structure.
It has not been scientifically proven that amalgam harms the tooth or general health. For that reason — and because removal itself releases mercury — we do not replace your existing amalgam fillings unless we consider it necessary. Unless there is a clinical need (such as a fracture, marginal leakage or decay underneath), we do not recommend removing a sound amalgam filling for aesthetic or precautionary reasons alone.
Which step happens where, so you know before you travel. In suitable cases the filling itself is completed in a single appointment.
Share photos of your teeth and what is bothering you. We give an initial, honest view of whether a filling is appropriate.
We agree what is realistic — no plan is confirmed without an in-person examination.
An in-person clinical examination and, if needed, an X-ray confirm suitability and the final plan.
Decay or damaged tissue is removed to a minimal degree, preserving healthy tooth structure.
The resin composite shade is matched to your natural tooth, then applied in layers and light-cured.
The anatomical shape is formed and the surface polished. In a suitable case this is one appointment.
A composite filling is one of the easiest restorations to repair or refresh. If a small adjustment is ever needed after you fly home, it can usually be done quickly — see the care notes below.
How long a filling lasts depends on oral hygiene, chewing habits and regular check-ups. Its advantage is that it can be easily repaired and refreshed when needed.
Regular brushing and cleaning between the teeth help protect the filling.
If you clench or grind your teeth, tell your dentist; a protective measure can be planned if needed.
At periodic check-ups the filling can be easily repaired or refreshed if needed.
Results are individual and vary from person to person. We publish before/after images only with each patient's explicit written consent and under the advertising rules of your home country — with no filters or editing. That is why you will not find a stock gallery here: we would rather show you real, relevant examples on request than a set of anonymous, over-edited photos.
Individual results vary. Any images are shared only where the patient has given explicit written consent and the legal conditions of the target country are met.
Let's assess the filling option that suits your case together at a consultation. Before you decide, you can also ask for an academic, evidence-based opinion.
