Composite fillings are tooth-coloured restorations made from a blend of plastic resin and fine glass particles. They bond directly to the tooth surface, allowing your dentist to preserve more natural tooth structure than traditional amalgam (metal) fillings. At R&H Dental Marbella, we use only premium composite materials that are BPA-free, mercury-free, and colour-matched to blend invisibly with your natural teeth.

Modern composite materials have improved dramatically in strength and durability. While amalgam fillings simply sit in a cavity held in by shape, composites chemically bond to the tooth — actually strengthening the remaining structure. This bonding also creates a tight seal that prevents bacteria from entering the tooth, reducing the risk of recurrent decay.

Many patients choose to replace old amalgam fillings with composites for both health and aesthetic reasons. While the scientific evidence on amalgam safety is nuanced, composite fillings offer clear advantages: they're invisible, mercury-free, require less tooth removal, and bond to the tooth for a tighter seal.

✓

Tooth-coloured: invisible in your smile, no dark metal showing
✓

Mercury-free: no concerns about mercury exposure
✓

Conservative: less healthy tooth structure needs to be removed
✓

Bonded: chemically bonds to tooth, strengthening remaining structure

The Composite Filling Process

A precise 4-step procedure for durable, invisible restorations.

Diagnosis & Treatment Planning

We assess the extent of decay using clinical examination and X-rays, then discuss the best restoration approach for your tooth

Early detection is key

Cavities (dental caries) begin as small areas of demineralisation on the tooth surface and progress inward over time. When caught early, cavities can be treated with a small, conservative filling that preserves maximum tooth structure. This is why regular check ups are so important — a cavity caught at an early stage requires a far simpler and more affordable treatment than one that has reached the nerve.

Why we use composite (white) fillings

At R&H Dental, we exclusively use tooth-coloured composite resin fillings. Unlike silver amalgam fillings, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, preserving more of your natural tooth. They are mercury-free, aesthetically invisible, and provide excellent durability. We also routinely replace old amalgam fillings with modern composite restorations when patients request this.

Numbing & Preparation

The area is completely numbed and all decay is carefully removed, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible

Pain-free treatment

We apply a topical numbing gel before administering local anaesthesia, and use a slow, gentle injection technique to minimise discomfort. You won't feel anything during the procedure. For anxious patients, we can discuss additional comfort options. The tooth is then isolated to keep the area dry, which is essential for a strong bond between the composite and the tooth.

Minimally invasive decay removal

Using precise instruments (and sometimes air abrasion for very small cavities), we remove all decayed tooth material while preserving as much healthy structure as possible. We check with caries-detecting dye to ensure all decay has been removed. The cavity is then cleaned and shaped to optimally receive the filling material.

Bonding & Layering

The composite resin is applied in layers, each one shaped and cured with light to build a strong, natural-looking restoration

Adhesive bonding

The tooth surface is etched with a mild acid and a bonding agent is applied — this creates a microscopic roughened surface that allows the composite to bond intimately with the tooth. This adhesive technique is what makes composite fillings superior to amalgam for tooth conservation — because the material bonds to the tooth, less healthy structure needs to be removed to create retention.

Layered placement

The composite resin is placed in thin layers (the incremental technique), with each layer cured (hardened) by a high-intensity LED light for 20–40 seconds. This layering approach minimises shrinkage stress, reduces the risk of post-operative sensitivity, and allows us to build up the natural contours and cusps of the tooth. We select shades that match your tooth precisely, and can even layer different opacities for front teeth where aesthetics are paramount.

Shaping & Polishing

The filling is carefully shaped to restore natural tooth anatomy, and polished to a smooth, stain-resistant finish

Anatomical shaping

After the composite is fully cured, we shape it to reproduce the natural grooves, ridges, and contours of the original tooth. Your bite is carefully checked using articulating paper to ensure the filling meets correctly with the opposing teeth. An incorrect bite can cause discomfort, premature wear, or even cracking, so this step is essential.

Multi-stage polishing

The filling is polished through a series of progressively finer polishing discs and cups until it achieves a smooth, glossy finish that closely matches the lustre of natural enamel. A well-polished surface is important not only for aesthetics but also for hygiene — smooth surfaces resist plaque accumulation and staining far better than rough ones.

English-Speaking Dentists

From Finland, Denmark, NZ, Ireland, Portugal & Spain — 15-35 years experience

Transparent Pricing

Published prices, no hidden fees — what we quote is what you pay

Written Guarantee

All treatments backed by our published guarantee policy

1st Check Up Free

Book your first visit at no charge — no obligations

Accurate, Honest Diagnosis

No unnecessary treatments — only what you truly need

Trusted by 8,900+ Expats

Your neighbors have chosen us — 4.9★ from 415+ reviews

Composite Fillings FAQ

Common questions about tooth-coloured fillings

With proper care, composite fillings typically last 7–15 years, though many last even longer. Longevity depends on the size of the filling, its location in the mouth, your bite, and your oral hygiene habits. Small fillings in low-stress areas can last decades, while larger fillings on heavily loaded molars may eventually need replacement. At R&H Dental Marbella, we use premium materials to ensure the longest lifespan possible.

Modern composite materials have improved dramatically in strength and durability. For small to medium-sized cavities, composites perform equally well as amalgam and offer significant advantages: they bond to the tooth (requiring less tooth removal), they don't contain mercury, and they're virtually invisible. For very large cavities, your dentist may recommend a porcelain inlay or onlay for maximum strength.

Yes — we carefully select composite shades to match your natural tooth colour. For front teeth where aesthetics are critical, we may use multiple shades and opacities to replicate the natural colour gradients of enamel and dentin. When properly placed and polished, a composite filling is essentially invisible.

With modern anaesthesia, getting a filling should be painless. We use topical numbing gel before the injection and employ a gentle injection technique. You'll feel pressure and vibration during the procedure but no pain. Some patients experience mild sensitivity for a few days after the appointment, which is normal and resolves on its own.

We don't recommend replacing amalgam fillings purely because they're amalgam — if they're intact and the tooth underneath is healthy, they can remain. However, if amalgam fillings are cracked, leaking, corroded, or if you're concerned about their appearance, replacing them with composite is an excellent option. We safely remove amalgam following protocols that minimise any exposure.

Yes — composite resin is excellent for repairing chips and minor fractures, especially on front teeth. This is actually a form of composite bonding and can often be done without any tooth preparation at all. Dr. Bruno's artistic freehand technique achieves particularly natural results for visible chips.

Care for filled teeth just as you would natural teeth: brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and attend regular check ups every 6 months. Avoid biting on very hard objects (ice, unpopped popcorn kernels). Composite can pick up some staining over time from coffee, tea, and wine, but regular polishing at your hygiene appointments keeps them looking fresh.

Yes — we are the only dental clinic in Marbella with a publicly available written guarantee. All treatments, including composite fillings, come backed by this guarantee. The main condition is maintaining regular check ups and cleanings every 6 months.

Book a Filling Appointment

Fill in the form below and our team will get back to you within 2 hours

R&H Dental uses your personal data to manage your appointment request and contact you about it. Data controller: RD&HE Enterprises S.L.

Obligation-free, Expert Diagnosis & Advice

Written Guarantee on All Treatments

Transparent Reasonable Pricing

English-speaking Clinic

Composite Fillings in Marbella

What Are Composite Fillings?

Composite Fillings vs Amalgam in Marbella

When to Choose a Composite Filling vs CEREC Inlay in Marbella

Watch & Learn More