What are composite resin fillings?
Many of us have amalgam fillings (silver) or gold filling restorations. Some amalgam fillings were what we have called mercury fillings, as some amalgam fillings contained mercury. Metal fillings were effective, are proven to have longevity, but are very visible and often give the teeth a grey appearance over time.
Composite resin dental fillings were created as an alternative to traditional metal dental fillings. These are fillings for the teeth that are tooth-colored. Dr. Landau often works with Composite Resin Dental Fillings, which look like natural tooth structure. They are composed of a plastic dental resin. Composite Resin Dental Fillings are strong, durable, and make for a very natural looking smile. Many dental insurance plans cover their use.
Who is a candidate for composite resin fillings?
If you have a cavity in a tooth, broken fillings, mercury fillings, or amalgam fillings, this type of dental filling is well worth discussing with your dentist. Mercury fillings or amalgam fillings can easily be removed and replaced with far more attractive colored fillings to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing smile. These fillings can actually strengthen your tooth beyond the level of strength the tooth had with the amalgam fillings.
Composite resins may also be used to enhance the appearance of any tooth, which is a tooth bonding procedure. The composite resin will strengthen and enhance the natural tooth structure as it does with use as a dental filling. (You can read more about a related procedure, tooth bonding, here.)
How are composite resin fillings different from amalgam fillings?
Composite resin dental fillings were created as an alternative to traditional metal dental fillings. Tooth colored fillings are known as Composite Resin Dental Fillings, are composed of a plastic dental resin. Composite Resin Dental Fillings are strong, durable, and make for a very natural looking smile.
Many dental insurance plans cover their use.