High-performance material composite
Contrary to the commonly used term ‘plastic filling’, modern composites are complex composite materials. They consist of approximately 70 to 80 percent of the finest inorganic fillers such as glass, ceramic and quartz particles embedded in an organic plastic matrix. This material composition gives the filling enormous stability and abrasion resistance, which is very similar to that of natural tooth enamel.
However, the decisive advantage of composite at The Eram Clinic lies in its visual diversity. The material is available in numerous shades and degrees of transparency. This allows us to match the filling exactly to the individual colour and refraction of your tooth. Thanks to the incorporation of ceramic particles, the restoration shines like a natural tooth after polishing and retains this aesthetic appearance for many years. As the material is also completely metal-free, there are no dark edges at the gum line, as is often the case with outdated restorations.
The art of layering: perfect shape and colour
Working with composite in our Zurich clinic requires the highest level of technical precision and a trained eye for shapes. We use a technique known as layering to achieve a lively and natural result. This involves reconstructing the tooth step by step rather than filling it with a single material. We mimic the natural structure of the tooth by first placing an opaque core for the dentine and then covering it with translucent layers for the enamel.
Each of these layers is hardened with special blue light. This step-by-step build-up minimises material shrinkage and ensures extremely high marginal tightness. We pay particular attention to the functional design of the chewing surfaces. At The Eram Clinic, cusps and fissures are reproduced in detail so that the restored tooth fits perfectly into your bite. A final, multi-stage high-gloss polish not only ensures an aesthetic finish, but also smoothes the surface to such an extent that bacteria and discolouration can hardly find a place to adhere.
Why composite is the excellent choice for your teeth
Choosing a composite filling is a decision in favour of maximum preservation of tooth substance. Whereas old filling materials often required the sacrifice of healthy tooth substance to create mechanical support, composite is bonded adhesively. This means that the filling forms a strong chemical bond with the tooth. We only need to clean the damaged area; the rest of the tooth remains untouched. This stabilises the tooth from the inside out and prevents thin tooth walls from breaking away under stress. In addition, composite is thermally insulating, which means that your teeth will be less sensitive to hot or cold foods after treatment than with metallic alternatives.
Advantages of composite fillings
- Chameleon effect: Seamless optical integration through individual colour matching and layering technique.
- Minimally invasive treatment: Preservation of maximum healthy tooth substance thanks to chemical bonding.
- High biocompatibility: Metal-free and mercury-free restoration, which is also ideal for allergy sufferers.
- Immediate load-bearing capacity: The filling is stable and ready for use immediately after curing.
- Strengthening of the tooth structure: Stabilisation of weakened tooth walls through the adhesive bond.
| Duration | approx. 45–75 minutes (depending on complexity) |
| Technique | Adhesive multi-layer technique |
| Pain-free | Gentle local anaesthesia on request |
| Durability | approx. 5 to 10 years with good prophylaxis |
| Aesthetics | Complete colour matching (metal-free) |
Holistic care for long-lasting brilliance
At The Eram Clinic, we consider every composite filling to be a long-term investment in your health. Regular professional dental hygiene is essential to maintain the brilliance and smoothness of the material. This allows us to check the transitions between the tooth and the filling and repolish them if necessary to ensure the longevity of the restoration. Healthy, caries-free teeth are also the ideal basis for further aesthetic measures such as teeth whitening. We often recommend whitening before a new composite filling in the visible area so that we can match the filling colour directly to the new, brighter white of your teeth.
After treatment in our modern premises in Zurich, you can immediately resume your normal activities. If we have used local anaesthesia, we simply recommend that you wait to eat until the numbness has completely disappeared. This is for your own protection to avoid accidental bite injuries. Our goal is for you to leave our clinic feeling that your teeth have not only been repaired, but restored to their natural beauty and strength.
Procedure
We attach great importance to a relaxed atmosphere and transparent communication. Each step of the treatment will be explained to you on request.
Perfect your smile with us
Don't settle for anything less than invisible precision. At The Eram Clinic in Zurich, we combine technological innovation with the highest level of craftsmanship for your dental health. Secure your appointment for a consultation or treatment and experience the superior aesthetics of modern composite fillings.
Frequently asked questions about composite fillings
Colloquially, yes, but technically, composite is much higher quality. Simple plastic fillings are often only used as a temporary measure. Modern high-end composite contains a very high proportion of ceramic and is designed for permanent use, even in the heavily stressed molar area.
Previous materials absorbed colourants from foods such as coffee or red wine. The premium composites we use today at The Eram Clinic are extremely colour-stable. Regular polishing during dental hygiene appointments ensures that the material remains shiny and colourfast for many years.
As composite is immediately and completely cured with special light, the filling is fully load-bearing as soon as you leave the practice. You only need to wait until the local anaesthetic has worn off before you can chew safely.
Composite is ideal for small to medium-sized defects. If a large part of the tooth is missing or the chewing surfaces are severely damaged, we at The Eram Clinic will advise you individually on whether a ceramic partial crown or an inlay would be the better choice for long-term stability.
This is a special procedure in which the tooth surface is minimally roughened and prepared with a special bonding agent. This allows the composite to form a micromechanical and chemical bond with the tooth, ensuring extreme adhesion.
