Tooth fillings are used to repair teeth when tooth material is lost or needs to be added. Conventional fillings were once silver or metal, which did not match the color of the teeth. Improvements have been made to composite fillings, which are white and made from resin, offering a more attractive option in tooth repairs and cosmetic dentistry. At Liberty Lake Smile Source, we are happy to offer composite fillings that can be color-matched to your smile at our dental center in the Spokane Valley.
What is Composite Resin?
Amalgam is the metal filling material that has been used for over 200 years, but it is no longer the preferred material for tooth repair. While effective, amalgam contains mercury and discolors the tooth. Composite resin is the material used in white tooth fillings, a durable and flexible option that can be color-matched to teeth.
Composite resin fillings are made from a combination of plastics and ceramics. The resin is soft and putty-like, making it easy to mold onto the tooth. Composite resin can be used for traditional fillings for cavities or cracks. It can also be used to reshape the teeth or cover discoloration with cosmetic dental bonding. The resin is applied to the tooth in the desired shape, then cured using a heat light. In just a few minutes, the composite filling is hardened. The surface of the tooth is smoothed and polished, blending the white composite with the natural tooth material.
White Fillings and Dental Bonding
Composite fillings are desirable for tooth repairs to maintain a white smile. The composite resin can be used to close gaps in teeth or reshape teeth, covering cosmetic dental issues. The procedure is quick and painless. White fillings or dental bonding can be completed in one visit, and they are one of the more cost-effective cosmetic treatments.
If you need a tooth repaired or want to explore cosmetic dental bonding for tooth flaws, contact us at Liberty Lake Smile Source today to schedule your appointment at our clinic in Liberty Lake, WA. We are happy to offer tooth-colored composite resin at our dental center in Spokane Valley.