Teeth tend to decay over time and develop cavities. Getting them back in shape and healthy again will likely require a visit to a dentist and getting a filling. Among the choices available, composite fillings may be just what you want.

What Is a Composite Filling?

A composite, like its name suggests, is a mixture of materials put into a plastic base. Some of the materials it is mixed with include glass, quartz, zirconium, silica, and more. These materials are added to give it strength and durability.

The amounts of materials that are added to the plastic base depend on where the filling will be used. If it is going to be used on front teeth, materials will be added that ensure that it is more translucent and color matched.

How Is the Material Hardened?

The composite fillings material stays soft until it is exposed to a special light. This enables the dentist to make sure that it is formed correctly. Once it is exposed to the special blue light, it will harden between 20 and 40 seconds.

What Special Techniques Are Needed?

Before the material for a composite filling can be added, the drilled surface must be first prepared. This is done by placing an acid on the hole in the tooth to roughen the edges, giving the composite material a better grip on the tooth.

What Are the Advantages of Composite?

One of the most obvious advantages of using composite materials for a filling is that it is white in color, whereas amalgam is easy to spot because it is silver. This means that composite is much harder to notice, and may not be noticeable at all.

A second advantage is that the composite material will actually bond with the tooth. Mercury amalgam does not. Because of this, the hole needed to place the composite is likely to be smaller than with the silver amalgam.

Your dentist will be glad to answer any questions you have about getting fillings made of composite materials. Of course, materials are constantly being improved. If your primary concern is appearance and you want the filling to match the color of your teeth, then a composite filling is the way to go.

The dentists at Amazing Smile Dental NY in the Forest Hills area of Queens, NY, will be glad to talk to you about composite fillings. We have helped many people restore their teeth and give them a healthy smile again. We offer many dental services for your entire family, now let us help you. We invite you to call us today at (718) 674-6478 to learn more and to make an appointment.