Metal fillings have been used for many decades to repair teeth or replace missing tooth material. While metal is effective for tooth repairs, it is not always attractive. Another option for both repairing teeth and improving the appearance of teeth is composite resin. At First Smile Family Dental, we have white, composite fillings for tooth repair and cosmetic dentistry at our practice in Federal Way.
Fillings and dental bonding are used for repairing teeth or improving their appearance. Most people have fillings when a cavity or tooth decay is removed, but fillings can also repair a cracked or chipped tooth. Bonding is similar – it uses material to repair a tooth or to change the shape of a tooth. Composite resin is a more attractive option for fillings and bonding because it can be color-matched to the tooth, offering a discreet and natural-appearing option for tooth repairs and reshaping.
What is a Composite Resin?
Composite resin is a dental material that can be molded and shaped onto the tooth – it is a putty, not in liquid form. The material is made from plastics and ceramics and is used to fill in cavities or replace missing tooth material for repair. Composite resin can also be used to cover discolorations or to change the tooth shape – this is done to fill in gaps between a tooth or to create even teeth.
Composite fillings and bonding can be completed in a non-invasive procedure in one visit. The composite resin is molded to the tooth for a filling or bonding, then the resin is cured using a special light. This hardens the resin to create a durable surface. The resin is then polished to ensure that it blends with the tooth and the repair is almost invisible. Composite fillings and bonding can last 10-15 years or longer with good oral care.
You can repair a damaged tooth or improve a tooth’s appearance with white composite fillings or bonding. To learn more about composite resin for cosmetic tooth services, contact our team at First Smile Family Dental. We can schedule a cosmetic consultation or a tooth repair treatment using white fillings at our clinic in Federal Way, WA.