Composite Resin Fillings: The Advantages & How They Are Placed

• Improved Aesthetics

Composite resin fillings are formulated to match the natural color of your teeth, unlike amalgam fillings which are silver in color. No one will be able to notice your dental work when you smile, talk, or eat.

• Increased Strength

Cosmetic dentists want to conserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible during treatment. A resin filling or onlay bonds to the teeth, creating a tight fit. Where crowns were previously necessary, a composite resin onlay may be used instead, keeping the tooth intact and offering superior strength.

• Decreased Sensitivity

Amalgam fillings are made of a metal composite and are thermal conductors. When the amalgam fillings are placed, the tooth is usually much more sensitive to hot and cold sensations which can cause oral discomfort. Composite resin fillings are often made of a glass composite and are poor thermal conductors, decreasing sensitivity.

• Convenient Placement

The first step before filling a cavity is numbing the area surrounding the tooth. A rubber dam may be used to keep debris from becoming lodged in the back of the patients’ throat. The cosmetic dentist will then use a drill to remove the decay and shape the tooth. A thin, flexible band is used to mold the filling to the shape of the tooth. Once a wedge is placed to hold the band in place, the filling is placed onto the damaged area. To harden a composite resin filling, a high-intensity light is used. Once the filling is in place, the dentist checks to ensure a normal bite and patient comfort.
The dentists at Art of Modern Dentistry offer the best in general and cosmetic dentistry. We specialize in orthodontics, periodontics, and endodontics and serve Chicago’s Lincoln Park and South Loop areas. Call (312) 361-0683 to schedule an appointment.