Use of Composite in Dentistry
Dr. Jayme A. Oliveira Filho (Dr. O) was born in Brazil on 1976. He finished his dental school at Federal University of Ceara School of Dentistry in 1999. Dr. O practiced dentistry in Brazil for 5 years until, where he did his post-graduation in dental prosthetics. He moved with his family to the United States in 2003 to... more
Composite resin is a widely used dental material in modern dentistry. It's a tooth-colored filling material composed of a mixture of plastic resin and finely ground glass or ceramic particles. Composite resin offers several advantages and is used for various dental procedures:
- Tooth-Colored Fillings: Composite resin is commonly used for dental fillings, especially in visible areas of the mouth. Its ability to be color-matched to the natural teeth makes it an aesthetically pleasing option for restoring decayed or damaged teeth.
- Aesthetic Restorations: Besides fillings, composite resin is also used for aesthetic improvements, such as repairing chipped or worn teeth, closing small gaps between teeth (diastema closure), and reshaping teeth.
- Bonding: Composite resin can be bonded directly to the tooth structure, allowing dentists to make conservative repairs. This means less removal of healthy tooth structure is required compared to some other restorative materials.
- Minimally Invasive Dentistry: Composite restorations often require less removal of tooth structure than traditional amalgam fillings, making them a favorable choice for minimally invasive dental treatments.
- Adhesion: Composite resin bonds well to the tooth surface, enhancing its strength and durability. This bonding property helps to create a strong seal between the tooth and the restoration, reducing the risk of leakage or sensitivity.
- Versatility: Composite resin can be shaped and sculpted during placement, making it versatile for various restorative and cosmetic procedures. Dentists can achieve precise results and customize the restoration to match the patient's natural teeth.
- Reduced Sensitivity: Composite resin restorations often result in less post-operative sensitivity compared to some other materials, as they do not conduct temperature changes as rapidly as metal restorations.
- Repairable: If a composite restoration becomes chipped, worn, or damaged over time, it can often be easily repaired without the need for complete replacement.
- Orthodontics: Composite resin is used for cosmetic enhancements during orthodontic treatments. It can be used to reshape teeth or to build up worn edges of teeth to improve appearance.
- Preventive Dentistry: Dentists may use composite resin to seal the deep grooves of teeth (pit and fissure sealants) to prevent the accumulation of plaque and bacteria in these areas.
- Patient Satisfaction: Due to its natural appearance and minimal invasiveness, composite resin restorations often lead to higher patient satisfaction, particularly for those who value aesthetics.
Despite its many benefits, composite resin also has some limitations. It may not be as durable as certain other materials, particularly in areas of heavy chewing force or for larger restorations. Additionally, composite resin restorations can be more technique-sensitive to place compared to materials like amalgam.
Your dentist will evaluate your specific dental needs and considerations to determine whether composite resin is the best choice for your treatment. The decision may be influenced by factors such as the location of the restoration, the size of the restoration, and your aesthetic preferences.
