There are several factors that determine the life of the filler. These include the size of the filler, its location and whether it is affected by high chewing forces. The material used is also an influencing factor.
The white composite fillings are present for a shorter time than the gray fillings. Their life is also shorter than gray fillings. A study conducted in 2001 (Van Nieuwenhuysen) evaluated fillings of hundreds of different materials. It was concluded that the average life of compound fillings was 7.8 years, whereas the average life of fillings made of amalgam was 12.8 years. But scientific research will ensure that dentists use composites that will last longer and will become more resistant to chewing forces. It is expected that the service life of white fillings will increase in the coming years.
You must remember that white composite fillers do not contain mercury, an element that most dentists consider toxic. This makes composites more and more popular in the selection of filler materials.
