Fillings are used to repair teeth and fill in tooth material that has been lost. Cracked, chipped or decayed teeth can be repaired using fillings as part of this cosmetic dentistry treatment process. Amalgam or metal fillings have been used for many decades, but can detract from a healthy, white smile. At Thousand Oaks Dental, we offer composite fillings that match the color of your teeth, leaving no trace of the dental work that has been performed.
Composite fillings have been around for many years, but the technology has improved to make these fillings more durable for use on all teeth. While in the past composite fillings were mainly only used on front teeth and metal was used on the back molars due to the pressure, composite fillings can now be an alternative to silver, gold or other metals on all teeth. There is some evidence that composite fillings can be less stressful on the tooth, with more flexibility than metal, making it a great option for all types of tooth repairs.
What is a Composite Resin?
There are different types of composite resin, but most are made of a glass and specialized plastic substance. Composite resin is applied to a dried tooth in layers, creating a hard surface in place of the missing tooth material. This can be filling in a cavity, repairing a chipped tooth or filling in a crack – this durable material can be used on almost any tooth. Once the repair is made, the surface is smoothed to blend perfectly with the surrounding tooth. Since the color is matched to the patient’s teeth, you cannot see where the filling begins and ends, making it almost invisible.
There are many reasons people prefer composite fillings. The obvious reason is the aesthetic appearance. But another reason is to avoid the metals that amalgam fillings contain. Old metal fillings contain mercury, which can be harmful.
If you want a white, bright smile that is free of metal fillings, contact Thousand Oaks Dental today to schedule your appointment. We have beautiful, white composite fillings to repair your smile without leaving a trace.