Composite Restorations
Composites have been used for many years however their chemical make-up
has changed and improved exponentially. The bonding agents used to make
the composites adhere to the tooth have improved just as dramatically.
Because of the improvements, the use of composites has become widely accepted
by dentists and the indications for their use are more numerous. They
are being used to close undesirable spaces, improve the shape, size and
color of a tooth, replace an unsightly amalgam restoration, cover abraded
or worn areas of a tooth (usually at the gum line) and to cover stains.
Composites can also be used to protect thermally sensitive areas and to
repair and strengthen broken teeth.
How They Are Placed
Once the tooth has been prepared and all decay removed, chemicals and
materials are placed on the tooth to increase bond strength and to protect
the tooth. Next, the composite material is placed incrementally into the
tooth and is hardened by exposure to a special curing light. The restoration
is then contoured to fit the bite and then is highly polished. These fillings
require a bit more time than the silver fillings because of the number
of steps involved. Composite fillings can also be a bit more sensitive,
at first, to extreme hot and cold and they may discolor over time if the
patient smokes or drinks a lot of coffee, tea or cola. They can also be
more expensive and some composites may wear faster than silver fillings;
however, they yield a much more natural and aesthetic result.
Ceramics Used For Larger Restorations
Ceramic fillings, like composites, come in several different types that
can be used for different situations. Ceramics are typically used for
the larger and more broken down areas. In these cases, an inlay or onlay
to cover more of the tooth's surface may be indicated. These restorations
are indirect because they require two visits and fabrication by a dental
laboratory. The ceramic restorations are considerably more expensive and
therefore simple, one-visit composite fillings are typically used instead.
Ceramic restorations are much more durable and will not stain.
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