Restorative dental materials mimic the appearance of natural enamel, so that we can rebuild and repair damaged teeth. Today our Orland Park dentists are giving you more information about one restorative material in particular: composite resin.
Composite Resin: The Basics
Composite resin is a mixture of ceramic and plastic compounds, that is applied to teeth in order to repair them or enhance them functionally or aesthetically. In its initial form, resin is soft and moldable. Once resin is cured with a special light, it hardens and bonds to the underlying tooth structure.
You may have already noticed that composite resin is completely metal and mercury free—this substance offers a treatment alternative to traditional amalgam fillings.
Composite resin is used to achieve a number of dental goals, including:
- Correcting dental damage
- Resurface discolored or poorly textured enamel
- Closing gaps in your smile
- Making short or worn down teeth longer
- Achieving a straighter looking smile
Advantages of Dental Resin
One reason that composite resin is so popular is precisely because it has so many application in the world of dentistry. On top of that resin fillings and restorations…
- Look just like natural dental enamel
- Can be made any shade of white
- Are durable and strong
- Are simple to maintain—you can brush and floss your restoration as you do your real teeth
- Are not heat-reactive
The Composite Resin Treatment Process
If we determine that composite resin treatment is right for you, you’ll find that the treatment process is convenient, comfortable, and quick. Our team will follow these steps to treat your smile.
- Clean, prep, and shape the relevant teeth
- Apply custom-shaded resin to the existing tooth structure
- Shape and smooth the resin
- Cure the resin so that it hardens and bonds with your real tooth
It really is that simple. Composite resin treatment makes it easier than ever before for patients to get the type of treatment they need in a short period of time. Please don’t hesitate to contact our Tinley Park dentists if you need additional information or support!