Is there any composite for restoration as strong as amalgam?
No. Ask most dentists and they will tell you that they would prefer the amalgam even though it is getting forbidden in more and more countries – without going into a discussion of whether amalgam is dangerous or not! Composites are more difficult to work with, because for every 1.5-2 mm layer the dentist has to use the ultra-violet light to cure the material. An amalgam filling is placed in one go, so it is easier and faster to work with. Composite fillings typically have a life-time of 5-15 years (depending on the size and complexity of the filling) whereas an amalgam filling will last 20-30 years. Composites are made of a polyurethane material, so over time the white color will get more and more yellow. They start this process immediately, but normally the color change is only noticeable after 3-5 years. You asked about composites, so I did not mention porcelain inlays/onlays/veneers which should be used instead of large, multi-sided composite fillings due to strength and durability.
