We Only Use Composite Cosmetic Fillings At Our Astoria Dental Practice. Here We Discuss The Advantages And The Process Behind Composite Cosmetic Fillings.
Are Cosmetic (White) Fillings Safe?
Yes they are very safe and millions are placed every day across the US.
If the patient has a tooth where decay has progressed beneath the enamel layer of the tooth then some numbing may be required. The doctor will then clean the tooth thoroughly and then apply a primer that will be applied to the requisite area before being restored – this is in order to open the enamel and the dentin in the tooth. A bonding agent is the applied and cured so that it can adhere to the composite filling material are always what we use at our Astoria dental practice. Here we discuss the procedure and the advantages of composite cosmetic fillings.
In the early days of dentistry, cavities and tooth decay were treated and filled by dentists using dental amalgam fillings. These types of fillings are known to many as “silver fillings” due to their silver colored appearance. Dental amalgam fillings are made of a mixture containing liquid mercury and a powdered alloy, usually composed of silver, tin, and copper. Although this metal filling (made mostly of mercury) was durable and lasted a long time, it was still susceptible to shrinking. It was considered aesthetically unpleasing due to the lack of color matching.
In our practice we offer a strong and aesthetically pleasing alternative to dental amalgam fillings. Using composite resins, which are composed of a plastic and glass mixture, we can match the color of your dental fillings with the natural color of your teeth. This is a more cosmetic approach to dentistry, which can improve a person’s appearance and overall confidence. With composite resin fillings we can repair not only cavities, but chips and cracks, and even reshape disfigured teeth.
There are many advantages to cosmetic fillings:
- Cosmetic Fillings closely match your natural tooth color and appearance making them almost undetectable from a distance.
- There is no need for the dentist to make slots, grooves or pins when placing a cosmetic fillings – due to the nature of the composite they bond to your teeth naturally.
- Once the composite is placed 85-95% of the tooth original strength is restored.
- The composite fillings harden in seconds rather than days.
- Composite resin fillings provide little to no pain or sensitivity.
Cosmetic Dental Fillings Cost
The cost of dental fillings with composite resins are generally more expensive than amalgams, but the results and benefits outweigh the price considerably. Not only do composite resins last a long time, but they are nearly seamless compared to a person’s real teeth. Most dental insurance plans will cover the cost of composite resin up to the price of dental amalgam fillings, with the patient paying the remaining difference. Insurance companies will likely increase their coverage of composite resins as they improve their longevity more over the years.
Cosmetic Fillings - The Procedure
First, our dentist prepares the damaged tooth by drilling away the decayed areas, leaving only the healthy portion of the tooth behind. If the patient has a tooth where decay has progressed beneath the enamel layer of the tooth then some numbing may be required. The doctor will then clean the tooth thoroughly and then apply a primer that will be applied to the requisite area before being restored – this is in order to open the enamel and the dentin in the tooth. A bonding agent is then applied and cured so that it can adhere to the composite filling material The composite resin is then applied in layers using a specialized bright blue light that hardens the soft material. Once the composite resin finally hardens, the dentist then shapes the composite to fit the tooth. The composite is then polished to help prevent against any leakage, decay, and excess wear. Composite resin dental fillings usually last up to 5 years with normal wear and tear. We advised all our patients to consult their dentist to make sure composite resins are right for them. We also advise that our patients visit our office every 6 months, so our dentists can check up on their teeth.
