Composite Fillings

Composite Fillings Work in San Antonio, TX

What are composite fillings?

A composite filling is a tooth-colored substance used to restore decayed tooth elements and improve overall cosmetic appearance. What are the reasons for composite fillings? There are multiple reasons to use composite fillings, but it can be narrowed down to three:

Decay on a portion of any tooth
Desire to replace old-fashioned silver fillings
Desire to maintain a white, beautiful smile

The Solution

A composite filling is a tooth-colored quartz-like material. After tooth decay is removed and cleaned, this tooth-colored material is layered into the tooth. Each layer is hardened or cured with highly intense visible light, and the final surface is shaped and polished to match the tooth. The final restoration is virtually invisible. Often it is advantageous to whiten all teeth before treatment so that the new restoration color matches the desired whiter, brighter smile.

Advantages

Composite fillings are more than just attractive. They are stronger because they bond directly to the surface of the tooth. They help protect the tooth from fracturing because they don't require the severe "undercut" (removal of healthy tooth structure).

Disadvantages

The initial investment in a composite filling is higher than that for a silver filling. This is because the composite material is more expensive, and the restoration is more difficult and time-consuming to place. However, this initial higher investment is offset in the long run by the health benefits and reduced likelihood of restoring potentially fractured teeth.

Alternatives Inlays/Onlays are sometimes good alternatives to composite fillings, offering excellent long-term durability. In cases of extensive decay, inlays/onlays or crowns may be the alternative.