Dental technology is always advancing, and our team at Dental Oasis of Clayton does our best to keep up with the latest advances. One area where dental technology has come a long way is in the development of new materials used in fillings. In the past, cavities were filled using metal alloys, which worked well, but were visually noticeable. Now, we can use a tooth-colored composite resin material to fill cavities without altering the appearance of the teeth. In this article, we will go over some of the benefits and potential drawbacks of composite resin fillings to help you decide if they are right for you.
Benefits:
- Aesthetics – As we mentioned above, composite resin fillings match the natural color of your teeth, resulting in a more natural-looking smile. If you are concerned about the appearance of your teeth, then composite resin is a great choice.
- Bonding – Another benefit of composite resin fillings is how easily the material bonds with the natural tooth. This makes it possible to fill a cavity without having to remove as much of the natural tooth as would be necessary for a metal filling.
Drawbacks:
- Durability – One possible drawback of composite resin fillings is that they are less durable than metal ones. Amalgam or gold fillings can last decades, but composite resin ones last only years. If you opt for composite resin fillings, be aware that you will likely need to get them replaced eventually.
- Time – Another possible drawback of composite resin fillings is that they can take longer to install than amalgam ones. Be prepared for your filling appointment to take longer if you choose composite resin than it would if you went with amalgam.