Composite restorations consist of synthetic resin, a plastic material mixed with tiny particles of quartz or glass. The result is a solid, tooth-colored paste that becomes hard and sturdy when it dries. Because it consists of a mixture of several different materials, the synthetic resin is known as a composite in the same way that a traditional filling is known as an amalgam because it consists of several different types of metals.
Composite fillings are growing in popularity for a variety of reasons. Here is a closer look at some key benefits composite restorations have to offer.
The metal in traditional fillings is susceptible to changes in temperature. Over time, they can weaken from going through contraction and expansion cycles. This increases the chances of them breaking or chipping. Composite fillings contain no metal. Their reaction to temperature changes is negligible. This makes them more stable than metal fillings.
One of the ingredients in traditional metal fillings is mercury. This metallic element is poisonous to humans. While regulatory bodies have determined that the mercury found in fillings is stable and safe when combined with other metals and allowed to cure, some people still have concerns about their children swallowing trace amounts due to wear and tear on the fillings. Composite restorations do not contain any mercury, and even though they contain plastic, they do not contain bisphenol A. Also known as “BPA,” this is a chemical added to some plastics that may be harmful to humans.
Traditional amalgam fillings retain a metallic color, giving teeth a darker appearance that may be noticeable to other people when the child opens their mouth or smiles. Composite fillings can match the color of the teeth, making them less noticeable to casual observers.
Though it depends partly on the extent of the decay, composite restorations may not require the removal of as much tooth structure as traditional fillings. The resin has the ability to bond completely with the tooth, allowing it to remain intact.
Composite resin fillings are almost as strong as traditional amalgam fillings, thanks to advances in dental restorations. With proper dental care, they can last up to 15 years before they need further attention from the dentist. Of course, this presumes the child has regular dental checkups, flosses daily, and brushes their teeth twice daily. They can also avoid damaging their fillings and untreated teeth by avoiding bad dental habits, such as chewing on ice, hard candies, pens, or fingernails.
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Composite fillings are made of nontoxic plastic material that bonds with the teeth and blends in with their appearance, among other benefits.
Request an appointment or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at 845-363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
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