Currently, cosmetic dentistry is increasingly popular worldwide since it helps relieve you from dental problems, in addition to enhancing your smile and oral aesthetics. Of all the aesthetic restorations, composite fillings are most preferred since they are affordable, convenient to use, and offer versatile applications.
A cosmetic dentist in Woodbridge has expertise in aesthetic restorations to help restore your oral form, function, and aesthetics. Let us explore composite fillings for a better understanding.
Exploring everything about composite fillings
Composite fillings are tooth-colored dental materials that are a mixture of plastic (acrylic) resin and reinforced with a powdered glass filler. These aesthetic fillings enable rebuilding of the tooth structure that is compromised due to caries, cracks, or fractures. Composites easily blend with your natural teeth; thus, they are best suited for use in the anteriors and other visible areas of the mouth. However, they can be used for mild tooth cavities in posterior teeth (premolars and molars), as well.
Indications
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Diastema (space or gaps in between your teeth)
- Dental decay in the visible areas of your mouth
- Teeth that are worn out due to attrition (aging), increased masticatory forces, or bruxism (involuntary, persistent clenching and grinding of the teeth)
Benefits
Composite fillings are beneficial in the following ways:
- Provide good durability
- Appear naturally since they are tooth-colored
- Provide excellent fracture resistance
- Facilitate quick procedure
- Can fix minor flaws to major tooth damage like cavities or fractures
Unraveling the procedure involved in composite restorations
You can expect the following steps that are involved in composite restorations:
- Your dentist will first select an appropriate shade that matches your natural teeth.
- The tooth will be isolated using a rubber dam to prevent excess moisture that can interfere with the bonding of the composite material. It is then air-dried and excavated to remove the caries (decay).
- The dentist will etch and bond the tooth. This helps create micropores in your enamel surface to lock in the composite material, ensuring an effective bonding.
- The composite material will be layered carefully, and after each layer, the cement will be cured through an LED light to set it.
- If the decay is present close to the nerves, then a particular medication would be placed before restoring it with composite filling. This provides added protection.
- The restored tooth will be shaped and polished.
- Your dentist will check your bite for any high points to make sure you are comfortable with the restoration.
Final takeaway
Composite fillings are tooth-colored, durable, and affordable restorations that are increasingly popular among dentists. These are easy to use with minimal post-procedure maintenance.
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