Email booking
Schedule LIVE
Appointment
Book an Appointment

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are a popular choice for those looking to repair their teeth. They are a safe, strong, and aesthetically pleasing option that can help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

Composite fillings are made of acrylic resin and glass particles and can be used to fill in cavities, fix chips, and repair decayed teeth. These fillings are durable and can last up to ten years with proper care.

The color of composite fillings is also customizable, allowing you to choose a color that matches the shade of your existing teeth. In addition, composite fillings are non-toxic and contain no mercury, which makes them a safe and healthy choice for all ages.

Composite fillings are the perfect choice if you're looking for a dental filling that offers an outstanding balance of strength, durability, and aesthetics.

What Are Composite Fillings?

A dental filling is a dental restoration that fills the spaces created by tooth decay, cracks, or damage. Some common dental fillings include silver amalgam, composite resin, gold, and porcelain.

Silver amalgam fillings are a mercury-based material often used in the back teeth and other areas of the mouth that come in contact with strong forces, such as the biting surface of the teeth. Composite resin fillings are made of a mixture of resin, pigments, and a hardening agent.

They are often used for front teeth and are also a popular option for younger patients. Gold fillings are made from pure gold, while porcelain fillings are made from porcelain bonded to metal.

Benefits Of Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are excellent for durable, aesthetic, and long-lasting dental restoration. Here's a brief overview of some of the key benefits of composite fillings:

Long-lasting dental restoration

Composite fillings can last up to a decade with proper care.

Safe and non-toxic

Composite fillings are mercury-free and contain no toxic substances that can cause harm to the body.

Easy and quick to replace

If your dental filling breaks or cracks, a simple appointment to replace the restoration can get you back to your daily activities in no time.

Customizable color

You can choose a composite filling color that matches the color of your other teeth. This makes your smile look smooth and natural.

Affordable dental restoration

Composite fillings are one of the most affordable dental restorations, making them accessible.

What Materials Makeup Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings are typically made from a combination of acrylic resin, glass particles, and methyl methacrylate monomer (MMM). The acrylic resin helps the filling stick to your tooth and keep its shape. The glass and MMM particles strengthen the filling and help it stand up to the forces of chewing.

Some composite fillings also contain dyes for a more natural appearance. While different composite fillings have slight variations in the materials used, they are all made with a similar combination of acrylic resin and glass particles.

How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?

Composite fillings can last anywhere from three to ten years with proper care. Factors such as the amount of pressure frequency, duration of exposure to chemicals, and the amount of time the filling is left in your mouth, can impact its longevity.

You can make your dental filling last for as long as possible by practicing good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, limiting the frequency of drinks with acids, and avoiding the regular use of teeth whitening products.

If your filling is nearing the end of its lifespan, you can have it replaced for a small fee.

Is It Possible To Customize The Color Of Composite Fillings?

Yes, many composite fillings are customizable, offering you the opportunity to create a color that matches the shade of your existing teeth. While the color of your teeth will naturally change with age, some people may prefer a different shade for cosmetic reasons.

For example, you may want to change the color of your teeth from yellow to white or from brown to a more natural shade. After discussing your options with your dentist, you can have your teeth whitened or have a composite filling made with a shade that matches the color of your teeth.

Remember that teeth whitening procedures can weaken dental restorations, so avoid chewing on the areas where your dental filling is located after whitening your teeth.

Are Composite Fillings Safe And Non-Toxic?

Composite fillings are safe and non-toxic, making them appropriate for all ages. Unlike other dental fillings like amalgams, composite fillings do not contain any mercury, making them an excellent choice for those sensitive to the substance.

Composite fillings are also biocompatible, which means they are safe to use inside the body and don't put your health at risk. 

How To Care For Composite Fillings

You can maintain the longevity of your dental filling by practicing good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, then rinse your mouth with water.

You can also use dental floss or an interdental cleaner once every 24 hours to remove food particles that may get stuck between your teeth and dental filling. If your filling has been weakened by a teeth whitening procedure, you can use a soft toothbrush with less pressure and a lower frequency to avoid wearing down your dental filling.

Avoid chewing on the spots where your dental filling is located, especially with foods that require a tremendous amount of pressure, such as hard nuts, dried fruit, and popcorn.

Alternatives To Composite Fillings

Silver amalgam fillings

Silver amalgam fillings are an option if you're looking for a cheaper alternative to composite fillings. But these fillings are usually less attractive and may require a longer appointment because they take longer to make.

Gold fillings

Gold fillings can last even longer than composite fillings but are more expensive. Gold fillings may be a good choice if you have sensitive teeth, are allergic to other dental materials, or have a higher risk of tooth decay.

Summary

Composite fillings are a popular choice for those looking to repair their teeth. They are a safe, strong, and aesthetically pleasing option that can help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. You can customize the color of your filling to create a seamless and natural look, and they can last up to ten years with proper care.

Composite fillings are non-toxic and contain no mercury, which makes them a safe and healthy choice for all ages. Additionally, they are easy and quick to replace if needed. Composite fillings are an excellent choice for anyone looking for long-lasting dental restoration.

Visit Your Dentist At Al Care Dental Now

Al Care Dental is a friendly, joy-filled general and cosmetic dental practice in Leduc, Alberta. We provide a full range of services and offer evening and weekend hours.

When you meet with the dentist for the first time, it is always good to introduce yourself and tell them why you are there. Be honest about any concerns that you have about your teeth. This will help the dentist work on keeping your teeth healthy and strong.

If you are nervous about visiting a dentist, do not worry. When you are at Al Care Dental Clinic, we take care of your needs so that you can sit back and enjoy your treats.

We look forward to giving you the best smile in town, so book an appointment with us now! For more information about our office, click here.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at (780) 986-9857 or email us at [email protected].

Welcome New Patients

We’re glad you chose our practice! Please take some time to learn about how to prepare for your first appointment.

Find Out more
envelopephone-handsetmap-markercalendar-fullclockcrossmenuchevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram