The Benefits of Composite Fillings

Need a filling but don’t know which type to get? While they all have their pros and cons, composite dental fillings are one of the best solutions to restore your smile!

Check out this short blog post to learn everything you need to know about dental fillings and their amazing benefits!

What’s a Composite Filling?

A composite filling is a special type of material that's usually used to restore a tooth that’s been treated for a cavity. Once the decayed tissue is removed, the filling is added to fill that hole and restore the look and strength of the tooth.

Composite fillings are made from a combination of plastic and ceramic compounds, are safe, and are designed to match each person’s tooth color. With the right care, they can last as long as 10 years, maybe even more.

The same material is also used in dental bonding to change the appearance of a tooth. The composite material can cover a badly discolored tooth, fix its shape and size, and even close gaps between teeth.

Why get composite fillings?

Fillings can be made from silver, glass, or even ceramic, but there are some unique benefits to getting composite fillings, specifically:

Natural look: Composite is made to match your unique tooth color, so nobody will be able to tell you even have a filling. This is especially useful if you develop a cavity in one of your front teeth.
Lasting results: These fillings are quite strong and allow you to properly chew your food and put pressure on your teeth without constantly worrying about them crumbling. While yes, wear and tear will eventually damage the filling, this usually happens years down the line.
Simpler restoration: With other types of fillings, such as silver, the dentist usually needs to remove more of the tooth’s natural enamel, but this isn’t the case with composite fillings. It allows you to keep more tooth enamel and has a much simpler preparation process.

How to maintain your new composite filling

If you want your dental filling to last 10 years or even longer, consider the following tips:

Brush your teeth after every meal.
Floss once a day.
Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth.
Don’t chew on hard objects.
Avoid hard, sticky, and sweet foods as much as possible.
Use non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Don’t brush your teeth aggressively.
Don’t open cans or packages with your teeth.

You should also see the dentist routinely for checkups and professional cleanings. This not only helps protect your natural teeth, but it will also allow the dentist to spot any issues with your filling before they get worse!