Composite Bonding / Fillings

Dental composites are also called white fillings, used in direct fillings. These materials are similar to those used in direct fillings and are tooth colored. Their strength and durability is not as high as porcelain or metal restorations (i.e. onlays and crowns). Composite is a tooth colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide). Composites are not only used to restore decayed areas, but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth known as bonding.

Aesthetics are the main advantage in having a composite fill treatment. The dentist can blend shades to create a color identical to your actual tooth. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulates the tooth from excessive temperature changes.

So why chose composite over an amalgam? Esthetics is the main advantage, since dentists can blend shades to create a color nearly identical to that of the actual tooth. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes. Composite bonding on the front teeth can be made very beautiful and natural looking. Composites can be used to seal a tooth in young people to prevent the most common pit and fissure decay. Composites can many times be repaired instead of having to remove the whole filling if part of it has failed and studies have shown that composites can last up to 7-10 years, which is comparable to silver fillings.

Here at Smiles by Design we do not use amalgam or silver filling material. We feel we can accomplish a superior restoration using a high quality composite material. Dr. Emerson has been practicing cosmetic dentistry for over 30 years and thus has the experience in working with these complex materials on tooth structure to hold the integrity of a restoration for many years to come.