What is a Composite Filling?

Composite fillings are gaining popularity due to their durability and looks. Fillings protect the tooth and keep away infection. They also keep you safe and add life to the teeth you would possibly lose. Thus, your dentist may recommend filling in a tooth cavity rather than getting rid of the whole tooth. Here are some facts about them to help you know more.

Composite Fillings

These consist of composite material that looks a lot like your teeth. They have a natural appearance. They are almost unnoticeable as the dentist customizes them to match the shade of your teeth. The tooth-colored material is acrylic or plastic resin together with powdered glass filler. It repairs and restores broken or chipped teeth.

Why Pick Composite Fillings?

Some people make light of composite fillings, but they have many benefits. Some of these include:

Aesthetics

The fillings resemble your natural teeth. Hence, they make a good fit for repairing your front teeth. Fillings like metal ones are conspicuous and tend to reduce the aesthetic value of your smile. You can put the metal filling in the back teeth and apply composite filling in the front teeth.

Versatility

Composite fillings are versatile and cover up more than dental gaps. They strengthen weak teeth and bond broken or chipped teeth. The material is tenacious and hard to wear down. Thus, it may be cheap and affordable in the long run. 

Composite material is effective for a variety of dental restorations. These include veneers, inlays, fillings, and crowns.

Bonding

The composite filling material micro-mechanically bonds to your teeth structures, and it is more effective when bonding broken and chipped teeth. The dentist applies it in a molten state and hardens it using a bright blue curing light.

Noninvasive

A composite filling is noninvasive. There is no need to scrap off part of your enamel before putting in the filling. The dentist can also put it on the chewing part of your tooth without removing some of your enamel. It makes the installation process smooth and effective without hurting your teeth, preserving the existing teeth.

Safe

Metals can slowly seep dangerous substances into your bloodstream over time. The same applies to amalgam fillings that can cause mercury to seep into your body. High-quality metals are also expensive. 

Composite fillings are safe and have no adverse effects. Better still, some dentists may also design them to release small amounts of fluoride. The compound helps prevent tooth decay.

Less Expensive

Although composite fillings may not last as long as other fillings, they are affordable. They mostly have a lifespan of about seven years, while traditional porcelain lasts 15 years. But unlike porcelain, composite fillings resist fracture. Eventually, they may last longer than porcelain. They can also outlive metal fillings in some instances, giving you value for your money.

For more information on composite filling, visit Today's Family Dental at our Tampa, Florida office. Call (813) 212-8700 to schedule an appointment today.