What Are Composite Fillings? Understanding the Basics

If you have a cavity, fixing it is your best way out. Your dentist will likely provide several options to deal with this problem. These include silver, gold, porcelain and ceramic, glass ionomer, and amalgam fillings. One option will match your tooth color perfectly. That one is a composite filling.
 

The Building Blocks

Composite fillings blend two materials. They mix plastic resin with super-fine glass particles, creating a special material that looks just like natural teeth. The material bonds directly to your tooth and gets hard under a special light. This blend strengthens and allows slight flexibility when you chew.
 

The Process

Your dentist will take several steps to place your filling. They will:
 

• Clean out the damaged parts of your tooth.

• Apply a special gel on the tooth to help the filling stick better.

• Add the composite in thin layers. Each layer hardens under a blue light.

• Shape each piece carefully.

• Polish the filling to make it smooth enough to match your other teeth perfectly.
   

Composite fillings are great, especially since they match your teeth. No one will spot them when you smile. Also, they bond right to your tooth, saving more of your natural tooth structure.
 

Composite material works great for fixing dental chips and cracks. These fillings resist breaking and handle the pressure of chewing.
 

Things to Think About

Every dental choice has trade-offs. Composite fillings cost more than silver ones and take longer to put in. Your dentist will need extra time for all those layers. Also, big cavities might need different materials.
 

It is best to understand that these fillings can stain over time. Coffee, tea, and wine might change their color slightly. Yet, there is a good reason why most people pick composites anyway. The natural look makes up for these minor issues.
 

Smart Care Tips

Brush twice daily and floss as usual. Avoid super-hard foods, as these will likely crack the filling. Watch out for staining drinks. Use a straw if you are in a position to do so, and rinse your mouth after coffee or tea.
 

Scheduling regular dental appointments is of great importance. Your dentist will check the filling for wear and catch other problems early. Good habits will make your fillings last longer.
 

Should You Get Composite Fillings?

Of the many types of dental fillings, your dentist knows which filling will fit you best. They will look at the cavity size and check which tooth needs fixing. They will also assess your bite and budget. Sometimes, they might mix different materials to ensure the best results.
 

Composite fillings have come a long way. No more dark spots when you smile. No more metal showing in your teeth. They keep your tooth strong and look just like the rest of your teeth. Most people love how their smile looks after getting composite fillings. You might forget which tooth had the filling. That is how natural they look.
 

Modern dentistry gives you several excellent choices. Composite fillings top the list for many people. They blend looks with function and protect teeth well. Your smile deserves good care. Composite fillings offer that care. That is why so many people choose them.
 

For more on composite fillings, visit Paglia Family Dental at our Marlborough, Massachusetts, office. Call (508) 485-2235 to schedule an appointment today.

 

https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/composite-fillings

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10922-dental-bonding