The Many Benefits of Composite Resin

There are many different types of dental materials that your dentist can use to fabricate dental restorations. One commonly used material is known as composite resin. Composite resin is commonly used to fabricate direct restorations, which are those that can be completed entirely in the mouth and do not require the use of a dental lab. The reason why composite resin is used so often is because it offers many benefits including: 

Preservation of the Natural Tooth

Composite resin has the ability to create strong bonds with tooth enamel. This means that composite restorations can be bonded directly to the natural tooth structure and require minimal modifications. While this helps preserve most of your natural tooth, it also means that you will need to endure less drilling. 

Versatility

Composite resin can also be used to fabricate a variety of restorations. The most common are small to medium sized dental fillings, however composite resin can also be used to fabricate veneers, inlays, and onlays. Using a technique called composite bonding, composite resin can also be used to repair minor chips and cracks, as well as fill gaps between the teeth. 

Quick

Not only can composite resin be used to correct a variety of concerns, but it can do so quickly and in a single dental appointment. Most dental restorations take at least two dental appointments to place since they must be fabricated in a lab before being cemented in place. However, composite resin can be fabricated and cemented into the mouth in a single step. In fact, composite resin restorations are hardened layer by layer in minutes using a special curing light.

Aesthetic

Nowadays, dentists are not only concerned with restoring the function of your teeth, but the look as well. Composite resin is a popular dental material because dentists are able to customize its color and contour so that it blends in with your smile. The final restoration will be indistinguishable from the rest of your teeth. 

Decreases Tooth Sensitivity

Since composite resin can bond to the enamel, it can also be used to decrease tooth sensitivity. This is especially true in cases where the enamel has worn down or become thin. In these cases, composite veneers may be placed to act as a protective shield used to reduce tooth sensitivity. 

Can be Repaired

All dental restorations will eventually wear down over time and are also susceptible to damage. When this happens, they will usually need to be replaced completely. However, composite restorations may be able to be repaired instead of replaced. This will ultimately depend on the extent and severity of the damage.