Composite Restorations
Composite is the word dentists use for white tooth colored, filling material. It is used in lots of situations for example, replacement of old black fillings, restoration of a tooth with cavity, restoration eroded or worn teeth, cosmetically enhancement of the shape of the teeth
FAQ
Yes, the advantages are that composite makes minimal intervention possible. Small cavities don’t need to be extended for strength. It is possible to blend composite on to tooth material to give a good aesthetic result. Composite restorations can also be easily repaired.
Composite isn’t ideal for restoration of a very large cavity when sides of the tooth are missing- it isn’t strong enough.
- The edges of composite fillings can stain.
- Composite isn’t as shiny as real tooth material or porcelain.
- Composite fillings at the front don’t stay as shiny as when they were done. This can be easily rectified by regular polishing.
We can expect these buildup restorations to last 5-7 years. It may be possible to keep them polished and repaired for many years. Of course, when wear and smashing of the teeth has occurred previously it may keep happening so it can be necessary to protect the teeth by wearing a nightguard of hard or soft plastic material. The composite can also be considered as a precursor to eventual porcelain crowns