When a tooth needs repair or you have a cavity, fillings are the go-to cosmetic dental treatment. Dental fillings replace lost tooth material and protect the tooth structure. The most common type of filling is amalgam, the silver or metal fillings that have been used for several decades. A more aesthetically pleasing option is composite fillings, a tooth-colored resin that is safe for repairing teeth. Our dental team at SmileBuilders, Inc. offers composite fillings for tooth repair and cosmetic treatments at our clinics in Canton, Batesville, Byram, and Lucedale, MS.

What is a Composite Resin?

Composite fillings are made from a special dental resin. This compound can contain glass, plastic and other materials, forming a soft, putty-like substance. This filling material can be used to fill cavities on the front teeth or to repair a chip or crack in a tooth. The putty is applied to the tooth and shaped to fill cracks or cavities, or it can be used to create a new shape to the tooth. Once applied, the composite filling is cured with a specialized light, which only takes a few minutes. The hardened resin is polished and smoothed to match the surface of the tooth.

Composite fillings offer an alternative to silver fillings that can detract from the appearance of your smile. There are several shades of resin that can be matched to your tooth color. It is difficult to see a composite filling once it is cured in the tooth. Composite resin is also used for cosmetic dental bonding, which is used to reshape teeth, fill in gaps and cover flaws on teeth.

Composite fillings and cosmetic dental bonding are quick and effective options for improving small flaws in your smile. The treatment can be completed in one office visit and is an affordable alternative to dental veneers. If you are interested in learning more about composite fillings or hiding dental flaws with dental bonding, contact us at SmileBuilders, Inc.