Composite Resins: Strengthen Your Smile

If you're embarrassed about your smile because of decayed, disfigured or discolored teeth, you may be a good candidate for composite resins. A composite resin is simply a silicon dioxide-filled tooth-colored plastic mixture that can restore teeth to an attractive, healthy state. Composite resins represent several advantages to the patient compared with traditional silver fillings. First, we are able to blend composite shades and shapes in order to match the original teeth nearly perfectly. Second, the tooth-composite bond actually serves to support the remaining tooth structure, preventing breakage and providing insulation against temperature changes. Third, average-sized and small-sized composites have demonstrated similar duration to silver fillings--seven to ten years.

Finally, resin placement is simple. Depending on the size of the filling and location of the composite, it may require as little as 10 to 20 minutes longer than what's needed for a traditional silver filling. We find our patients notice minimal to no sensitivity with these wonderful restorations--certainly far less than the "old" silver amalgam fillings. And yes, coffee, tea, and other staining types of foods and beverages may discolor your composite fillings slightly. However, we find that excellent home care/oral hygiene minimizes this greatly. They are also easily polished to their original bright and shiny appearance by our professional staff. Ice-chewing, however, is a concern. It's like chewing on miniature daggers. That's not good! Please avoid chewing ice in order to maintain your beautiful new smile!

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