Cosmetic Fillings
COSMETIC FILLINGS
Often front teeth can be repaired and improved with the addition of white composite material. The advantage being less tooth loss, less expensive and giving the tooth longevity before eventually veneering or crowning. As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced but they are now very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.
Reasons for cosmetic fillings:
– Chipped teeth.
– Closing space between two teeth.
– Cracked or broken teeth.
– Decayed teeth.
– Worn teeth.
– Will often add longevity before crowning is needed.
How are composite fillings placed?
Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.
Sometimes a patient might experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this persists the filling should be reviewed.
You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.
Composite resins, or tooth-colored fillings, provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small- to mid-size fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing. They can be used on either front or back teeth. They are a good choice for people who prefer that their fillings look more natural.
It generally takes longer to place a composite filling than it does for a metal filling. That’s because composite fillings require the tooth be kept clean and dry while the cavity is being filled. Tooth-colored fillings are now used more often than amalgam or gold fillings, probably due to cosmetics. In a society focused on a white, bright smile, people tend to want fillings that blend with the natural color of their teeth.
- Published in General Dentistry