For those needing dental fillings but still want a natural-looking smile, composite fillings may be the answer. While dental fillings are not unusual, the materials used can vary greatly, with each having their own pros and cons. Traditionally, a single metal such as gold, or amalgam – a mixture of metals, was used to fill cavities in teeth. While these fillers work very well and can last a long time, they tend to stand out a lot, which can make people feel self-conscious when opening their mouths.
Advancements in dentistry have lead to composite fillings which are just as strong as the more traditional metal fillings, but can be made to match the color and shade of your teeth. The advantages speak for themselves – no more worrying about fillings being noticeable, while lasting just as long as traditionally used materials.
What is a composite filling?
Unlike metal fillings, composite fillings are made from powdered glass and acrylic resin, and can be shaded to match the color of your teeth. This makes them much less noticeable, and in almost all cases, practically invisible to people who don’t know you have fillings.
While composite fillings are just as strong and durable as their metal counterparts, they work best when filling smaller cavities, or in teeth that do less of the chewing when eating.
How do composite fillings work?
Like all fillings, composite fillings are designed to fill a tooth cavity and protect any further damage caused by bacteria damaging a tooth. The cavity is thoroughly cleaned out to rid it of bacteria, then filled with a resin.
The resin is a mixture – or composite – of powdered glass and acrylic resin (similar to, but much stronger than fibreglass) which is used to fill the cavity and formed to hold the natural shape of the tooth. The resin is then hardened with a UV light. This special UV hardening process bonds the resin to the tooth at a microscopic level, creating a long-lasting filling that won’t fall or get pulled out.
What if I have bruxism or TMJ?
Composite fillers may not be suitable if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw excessively, as these actions can wear down the filling. Be sure to mention if you do either of these when speaking to us about fillings. We may find that other dental fillings will be more suitable for you.
The good news is that Modern Family Dentists LLC can treat both bruxism and TMJ through the use of custom-made mouth guards and other treatment options.
If you have any pain in a specific point on your tooth, then you may have a cavity. Cavities are recesses in a tooth that form from bacteria build up which slowly eats away at your enamel and can eventually reach the root of the tooth.
It is important to fill cavities because the bacteria can cause more damage and decay as it gets deeper into the tooth. If you have tooth pain, bleeding gums, or abscesses, then be sure to schedule an appointment with Modern Family Dentists LLC as soon as possible. You’ll love the friendly and professional service we’re famous for in the Kenosha area, and you’ll experience the personal care and attention that our many happy patients from miles around visit us for. Composite fillings can protect your teeth from further damage while giving you a natural looking smile. And don’t forget – Smiles Change Outcomes.