Composite resin refers to a synthetic material similar to cement that a dentist uses in many types of oral health treatments. Its color mimics the natural appearance of teeth, making it a useful tool for cosmetic dental solutions. And its malleability combined with its durability allows it to prove beneficial in restorative dentistry as well.
With this versatility, modern dental methodology includes resin in many treatment options. You can feel more comfortable introducing this material to your smile when you know more about the benefits it can bring to you. Find three of the ways that your dentist employs composite resin in your dental services when you read on.
Dental Fillings
Dentists often use composite resin when creating dental fillings to treat cavities. Traditional fillings rely on metal alloys, but today, patients and dentists prefer the tooth-colored, polished finish of resin for fillings.
A dentist can easily mold resin into a resulting hole from a cavity and fill the space completely. When they cure the resin, the material hardens to create a seal that protects the vulnerable area of the tooth after cavity treatment.
The durable resin can withstand the everyday wear and tear of oral functions and stay in place in the tooth for about ten years. Most people will require treatment of a cavity in their lifetime, so you should consult with your dentist to learn more about this type of filling.
Tooth Bonding
Tooth bonding refers to a type of cosmetic dental treatment that relies on the aesthetic appeal of composite resin. A dentist will apply resin to prepared teeth and sculpt it according to a dental patient’s smile aesthetic goals. They cure and harden the resin to keep it in place.
With this procedure, a patient can cover stubborn dental stains to make their smile brighter. Bonding can also reshape irregular teeth, fix small cracks or chips in a tooth’s surface, and close gaps between teeth. The color and durability of the bonding material ensure a reliable and beautiful finish.
You should note that bonding might develop discoloration over time, so pay attention to aftercare instructions from your dentist to maximize the cosmetic benefits of dental bonding. With proper care, bonding can enhance your smile for three to ten years.
Dental Adhesive
Composite resin also makes for an ideal supportive material for other dental treatments. For instance, curing and hardening the resin allows it to function as a powerful adhesive. Dentists will use resin bonding to secure porcelain veneers to a patient’s teeth.
As with bonding treatment, a dentist prepares the affected teeth and then applies the resin atop them. Then they secure the custom-made caps to the front of the teeth to complete veneer treatment. The strong porcelain material along with the secure hold from the bonding allows veneers to endure for fifteen years or longer.
Learn more about veneers, bonding, fillings, and other dental solutions by scheduling a dental appointment today. You can reach our front office staff in Silver Spring, MD online or by phone at 301.508.9755.