Dental Fillings
Though tooth fillings can be made of a variety of materials depending on your needs, composite fillings are typically the most desirable choice because they closely match the white colour of your teeth, making them less visible.
History of Composite Resins
When composites were first introduced in the 1960s, they could only be used on the front teeth, since they were not durable enough to withstand the pressure generated by the back teeth during chewing.
Since that time, however, dental composites have improved significantly, to the point that they are strong and durable enough to be used in dental inlays placed in the back teeth.
Today, dentists use composite fillings to restore decayed or broken portions of teeth and to make certain cosmetic improvements to the smile.
Composites can be used, for instance, to change the color of the teeth or to reshape disfigured teeth.
How is a composite filling placed?
Once the tooth is prepared, we place the composite filling in layers and use a special light to harden each layer. When this process is complete, we'll shape the composite to the shape of the tooth, and polish it to prevent wear and staining.
It takes about 10-20 minutes longer to place a composite filling than it does to place a silver one. The duration depends on the size and location of the cavity; as you might expect, the larger the cavity, the longer it will take to fill.
What are the benefits of composite fillings over silver fillings?
The main benefit of composites over amalgam fillings is aesthetic. Your dentists can blend shades of the composite for a color that is almost identical to that of the real tooth.
Contact Waverley Dental Centre to learn more about your dental restoration options.
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