Composite Resin Fillings: 3 Things You Need To Know
Composite resin fillings are often confused with amalgam fillings, but composites are made of glass-like ceramic materials. Composites generally bond to tooth structure better. In addition, it appears more natural in color, which makes it the perfect choice for getting that naturally white smile. Composite resin fillings are a great alternative to silver fillings, especially when you think about the following benefits composite offers.
Composite Is Good for Both Small and Large Cavities
Composite material is used primarily in small cavities because it won't expand or contract much when subjected to heat, cold, acidity, or pressure changes due to biting down on a food object. This makes composite one of the best choices for children with small cavities (these repairs are quick and easy to make). Although composite may not be the right choice for a huge cavity or one that has multiple surfaces, composite will provide a better natural color match than other materials.
Composite material works best with small cavities because composite performs best with an ideal thickness of filling material of 0.5mm during the restoration process. If the composite resin is too thick, it can cause increased stress on the tooth structure, leading to breakage or fracture over time. The longevity of composite fillings varies but many last several years before they need repair again.
Composite Resins Are a Composite of Glass and Ceramic Materials
A composite filling comprises three layers. These include hard tooth-like ceramics, a translucent or transparent resin layer that allows light penetration for aesthetics, and a soft gel resin core that bonds to the tooth structure. The finished composite filling has similar properties to natural teeth enamel, making these composite fillings more durable than other repairing materials.
A Composite Filling Is Not an Amalgam Filling
An amalgam filling is a combination of mercury, silver, and other metals, while composite resin fillings contain no mercury at all. These two types of dental repairs serve different purposes. But if you have a cavity that can be repaired with composite material over amalgam material, composite is the way to go!
Keep these advantages in mind when you have a cavity filled by your dentist, so you know what type of filling material will work best for a specific kind of dental issue you are facing. Composite resin fillings are an innovative material that offers several advantages over silver amalgam fillings; thus composite is the best choice for cavity repair.
Contact a dentist for more information about composite resin fillings.
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