If you’re embarrassed about your smile because of decay or dark fillings, you may be a good candidate for composite resin fillings, a silicon dioxide-filled, tooth-colored plastic mixture. Composite resins restore teeth to an attractive, healthy state. Composite resins represent several advantages over traditional silver, or amalgam, fillings.
Because composite resins are not metallic, we can blend and mix shades to match natural teeth. This means only you and your dentist will know you have fillings. Another benefit is the tooth/composite bond supports remaining tooth structure, deterring breakage and insulating against temperature changes. Medium and small composites can last seven to ten years – that’s as long as the tried and true amalgams. Best of all, composite resins allow us to keep more natural tooth structure intact than amalgams. We believe in conservative dentistry because the more natural tooth structure you keep, the better teeth you’re likely have in the future.
Some patients experience mild and temporary post-placement sensitivity from composite resin fillings. The only caution we typically mention is that coffee, tea, and other staining foods and beverages may discolor composites unless they are coated with a clear plastic sealant.