Maintaining a healthy smile means more than simply brushing and flossing everyday. Unfortunately, even with thorough care at home, your teeth can still suffer from cavities, decay, or other issues. Regular check-ups are important, so you can find out whether you’ll need to further support your oral health through dental work to correct or mitigate these problems ahead of time. As is typical for many patients, some of the specialized terminology used in dentistry can leave you with questions, like “what is dental composite?”
Dental composites are among some common phrases that you’ll likely hear if you require minor dental work, but what are they really? You want to be as informed and prepared as you can be, so keep reading to learn about this common material and how it applies to your care.
What Dental Composite Is
Dental composite is a mixture of resins, or a combination of glass and plastics. It’s widely popular in dental procedures – including cavity filling, restoration, and cosmetic reshaping – because of its stability and safety. Unlike the metal fillings of the past, composite also offers a great aesthetic advantage. It can also be matched nearly identically to your own tooth shade, so that once it’s placed, it’s nearly undetectable.
How It’s Used
Most often, dental composite is applied to fill in cavities, but can also be used to improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth. It’s applied in layers, with a specialized light used to harden each coat, then shaped and polished to match the tooth. It’s preferred by dentists because it provides well-bonded, natural results. Composite supports the natural tooth structure and helps to protect against chipping, breakage, and temperature changes (in the case of sensitive teeth).
Now that you know a bit more about dental composite and what it is, you can rest a easier when you think about your upcoming procedure. If you have any further questions, particularly about your case and treatment, it’s best to ask your dentist. They’ll be able to provide you with more specific information about how the techniques and materials will be used during your appointment.
When you’re looking for a dentist in the Knoxville area, look up Dr. Wes Mullins and our team at My Family Dentistry. We pride ourselves on our state-of-the-art technology paired with customer care that emphasizes comfort and knowledge.