If you get a cavity in one of your teeth, your dentist is probably going to recommend getting a filling as soon as possible to ward off infection and shore up your tooth.
There are several different kinds of materials used for dental restorations, but the most common types of fillings are amalgam and composite (or composite resin).
Amalgam was the most widely used material for many years, but composite fillings have been growing in popularity for their combination of looks and durability.
Composite fillings have a more natural appearance than other options. The composite material can be customized to match the shade of your tooth, so they’re almost unnoticeable to anyone who glances at your mouth.
But what is that tooth-colored material? It’s a mixture of plastic (acrylic) resin that’s reinforced with a powdered glass filler. It’s useful for a variety of dental restorations.
Dentists also sometimes use this composite resin material to repair or restore parts of broken or chipped teeth.