Part of getting a beautiful smile with cosmetic dentistry depends on the type of dental material used. With any cosmetic dental treatment, you can expect your cosmetic dentist to use an aesthetic material, however different treatments can sometimes require different materials. For example, when it comes to direct restorations one commonly used dental material is composite resin due to its numerous benefits. Here are some of the many benefits offered by composite resin:
Require Less Drilling
One main benefit of composite resin is that it does not require the removal of as much natural tooth structure as other restorations. This is because it creates a strong bond with the enamel that helps to hold it in place. Not only does this help to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, but it results in significantly less drilling than other types of restorations.
Versatile
Composite resin can be used to fabricate a variety of dental restorations. The most common restoration that uses composite resin are composite fillings, which restore small to medium areas of decay. Another common use of composite resin is for cosmetic bonding, which repairs minor damage such as chips and cracks. In some cases, composite resin can also be used to make other restorations like composite veneers, inlays, and onlays.
Fast
For starters, composite resin restorations do not often require the use of a dental lab, meaning that they can be entirely fabricated by your dentist. Not only that, but composite resin has an extremely fast curing time, which means that it hardens quickly. After the composite has been placed, a special curing light will be used to harden it in place in less than a minute. Usually, you can expect to have this process repeated a few times since composite resin is applied in layers.
Aesthetic
Since composite resin is used in cosmetic dentistry, it also offers an aesthetic appearance. Composite resin can be customized in terms of its color and its shape, which allows your cosmetic dentist to create a one of the kind restoration that is fitted perfectly for your tooth. Depending on your treatment goals, composite resin can either be used to blend in a restoration with your natural teeth or to improve the color and shape of your teeth.
Can Be Repaired
Just like your natural teeth and other dental restorations, composite restorations can become damaged or wear down naturally over time. However, unlike other restorations, composite restorations can be repaired by your dentist instead of needing to be completely replaced.
Decreases Tooth Sensitivity
If you have sensitive teeth, you are all too familiar with that deep pain you get when eating or drinking anything hot, cold, or sweet. Luckily, composite resin has been found to help decrease the severity and frequency of tooth sensitivity by acting as an insulator for your tooth. However, it is important to note that it is normal for tooth sensitivity to occur immediately after having a composite resin restoration placed. This will usually fade in a few days once your tooth has adapted.
