Composite Restorations, More Than Just a Pretty Filling

If you’re given a choice, you’ll likely choose a composite tooth-colored filling over silver amalgam simply for its natural appearance. After all, who wants to flash metal every time they smile? White fillings are more natural and aesthetically pleasing, but they offer so much more. At Smile Today Dental in Glenview, Illinois, we encourage our patients to consider composite resin fillings for numerous reasons. These teeth fillings cost a bit more than their amalgam counterpart, but we want you to know they’re worth it!

More Than Just a Pretty Filling

Composite fillings are made of plastic resin mixed with powdered quartz or glass. After removing the decay, Dr. Evelyn Kidonakis and the team will apply this putty-like mixture to your tooth to protect it from future infection. We’ll match the color of your filling to the exact shade of your tooth enamel so that it blends right in. In so doing, we can treat decay and still preserve the beauty of your smile. Composite fillings on front teeth will be highly inconspicuous, allowing your pearly whites to retain their shine.

What other benefits do composite fillings provide?

• Preserve Tooth Structure
  Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings don’t require extensive drilling for their application. Less drilling means less removal of your tooth’s natural structure, keeping it intact. With composite fillings, we can salvage more of your tooth to preserve its health and strength for the future and maintain the integrity of your smile.  
• Less Risk of Tooth Fractures
  Composite fillings bond directly with your tooth enamel, forming a protective seal against future decay.  They also strengthen your tooth’s weakened structure to prevent chipping and cracking after having the cavity removed. The resin material absorbs and distributes the biting and chewing forces more evenly to minimize the risk of your tooth fracturing over the course of time.
• Reduced Sensitivity
  Unlike amalgam restorations, composite fillings don’t contract or expand with temperature changes in your mouth. They’re less likely to cause sensitivity when consuming hot or cold beverages or foods.
• Durability/Long-lasting Cavity Protection
  Durability is another reason to consider composite filling cavity treatment. Although composite restorations aren’t as strong as silver amalgam fillings, they’re still quite effective in keeping decay at bay. With proper care, a composite filling can last ten years before needing an upgrade. If the filling gets chipped or damaged before wearing out, we can often repair it to save you the time and expense of having it replaced.  

During routine exams, we’ll check the state of your fillings to ensure they’re in good shape. Good oral hygiene habits and routine cleanings will keep your fillings going strong for years. As composite fillings aren’t stain-resistant, limiting your intake of stain-causing foods and drinks will help preserve their appearance long-term. Another danger is eating hard or sticky foods, as they can damage your filling and teeth.

Composite Fillings Near Me

To schedule an appointment for composite filling cavity treatment, call Dr. Evelyn Kidonakis from Smile Today Dental in Glenview, IL, at 847-440-3331.

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