Composite filling (i.e., cosmetic filling) can be used to fill a cavity or to address slight imperfections of the teeth. A composite filling is cosmetically-pleasing because it closely resembles the look of the natural tooth, making it virtually invisible.
Why Are People Choosing Cosmetic Fillings Over Traditional Fillings?
Many people are choosing to have composite fillings placed instead of the traditional silver-colored options because cosmetic fillings consist of plastic or resin as opposed to amalgam or silver, which are known to contain some level of mercury. In addition, the cosmetic filling material is available in numerous shades; thus, allowing the dentist to carefully match the composite filling color to the color of the patient’s teeth.
A cosmetic filling offers more stability than its traditional counterpart; however, should a problem arise, this material is easily repaired and requires less drilling than silver or amalgam fillings do. Furthermore, traditional fillings are affected by changes in temperature, cosmetic fillings are not.
Composite Filling Can Be Used to Address Slight Imperfections
Patients who are bothered by the minor imperfections in their teeth may be good candidates for cosmetic bonding. With cosmetic bonding, an experienced dentist can address a variety of minor imperfections to improve a patient’s smile.
Imperfections addressed with bonding include teeth that:
- Have chips.
- Have stains
- Have minor gaps.
- Are crooked.
Bonding advantages:
- Many patients do not require anesthesia during their bonding procedures: This is one of the reasons that bonding procedures are relatively quick, typically being completed within an hour or two.
- Properly cared for bonding material offers longevity, typically lasting from three to 10 years.
- Cosmetic bonding can be a more economical solution than a veneer or a crown.
The Cosmetic Bonding Procedure at the Smile Center in Campbellsville, Kentucky
- Prior to beginning the bonding process, the dentist or hygienist removes the plaque and tarter from the tooth about to receive treatment.
- The dentist chooses a composite shade that matches the patient’s natural tooth color.
- To keep it dry, the dentist may use a rubber dam to isolate the tooth receiving treatment.
- To help the composite filling adhere to the tooth, a mild etching solution is applied to the tooth’s surface.
- The dentist applies the bonding material.
- Using a specially-designed light, the dentist ‘cures’ the bonding material.
- Another layer of the composite is added and cured. The dentist repeats this process until the appropriate composite thickness is reached.
- After reaching the appropriate thickness, the dentist sculpts the material into the desired shape.
- To ensure proper tooth function, the dentist checks the patient’s bite.
- The tooth is polished.
