Nowadays, it’s not only the type of dental restoration that can change your smile, but the dental material used to fabricate the restoration. While there are many different types of dental materials, some are more commonly used that others. One of these commonly used dental materials is known as composite resin. Composite resin is a dental cement made of synthetic resins and it is used to fabricate direct restorations like composite fillings and composite bonding. The reason why composite resin is so popular is due to its many benefits, including:
Versatile
For starters, composite resin offers a versatile approach to restoring both damaged or decayed teeth. For decayed teeth, composite resin is used as a dental filling to fill in small to medium cavities. For damaged teeth, composite resin is used for a process known as composite bonding. This process applies composite resin to the surface of the tooth in order to repair chipped or cracked teeth. Composite resin can also be used to close gaps between the teeth and to make composite veneers. The reason for its versatility is composite resin starts off soft so that it can be molded for whatever purpose that is needed.
Aesthetic
Another main benefit of composite resin is the fact that it is highly aesthetic. Composite resin can be customized to match the exact color of your teeth, which means the restoration will blend in with the rest of your natural tooth structure. Because of this, composite fillings are sometimes called white fillings or tooth-colored fillings. As mentioned before, composite resin can also be molded to match the natural contours of your teeth, which adds to its aesthetic appeal.
Less Drilling
Many people absolutely loathe the dental drill, so finding out that composite resin restorations require less drilling is great news! The reason why composite resin restorations don’t require as much drilling is because composite resin can establish a strong bond with the enamel, meaning less alteration of the natural tooth structure is needed. In addition to requiring less drilling, this also means that more of your natural tooth structure is preserved.
Fast
Composite restorations can also be completed relatively quickly. This is because they are direct restorations, meaning they can be fabricated directly inside the patient’s mouth instead of at a dental laboratory. Additionally, it only takes a matter of minutes for composite resin to be hardened in place with a special curing light.
Reduces Tooth Sensitivity
For people who have worn enamel, tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet is a real problem. Luckily, composite resin can be used to insulate the tooth and reduce the frequency and severity of tooth sensitivity. While you may experience a brief period of tooth sensitivity after having a composite restoration placed, this is normal and should fade in a few days once your tooth has adjusted.
Can Be Repaired
All dental restorations will eventually wear down over time from the constant forces of biting and chewing. However, composite restorations can be repaired instead of needing to be entirely replaced. Even in cases where they do need to be completely replaced, the process is still much easier than replacing other types of restorations.
