Techniques and materials in dentistry have evolved in recent years to better suit the needs and preferences of dental patients without compromising oral health benefits. One of these advances in dental technology is the usage of composite resin. This synthetic material is malleable and cement-like and can harden for a secure fit on a patient’s teeth where needed.
The versatility and durability of resin make it a valuable tool in many types of dental care. But you may feel more comfortable introducing it to your smile when you know more about its benefits. Check out three of the many ways a dentist can employ composite resin to achieve your oral health goals.
Modern Dental Fillings
Many of us will develop a cavity, an early form of tooth decay, at some point in our lives. Decay forms when natural oral bacteria eat away at weak spots in the tooth enamel. When decay creates a hole in the tooth’s surface, this is a cavity.
Your dentist can treat a cavity by drilling away the damaged part of the tooth and filling the resulting hole to restore the tooth’s structure. Dentists used to employ metal alloys for dental fillings to restore a tooth after cavity treatment. But now, dentists more often use composite resin fillings.
The malleable resin easily fits into the tooth. Then it hardens to provide effective protection for this vulnerable area, which includes a seal to prevent further harm to the tooth in this spot. Plus, dental patients appreciate the subtle appearance of a composite resin filling. Dentists make them tooth-colored for a more aesthetically appealing finish that blends into your tooth.
Cosmetic Tooth Bonding
Dentists can use composite resin for cosmetic purposes, such as with tooth bonding treatment. They recommend tooth bonding for patients who want to amend minor aesthetic issues in their smiles, such as chips, cracks, stains, gaps between teeth, and other irregularities.
A dentist will apply the resin where needed according to the patient’s smile aesthetic goals. It can close gaps between teeth, make teeth more regular in shape, and cover minor tooth breakage as well as stubborn tooth stains.
The resin’s color ensures a look that enhances your smile’s appearance while also achieving a natural finish. Composite resin is subject to staining. So pay attention to the substances you consume to maximize the aesthetic benefits of this treatment.
Dental Adhesive
Composite resin also makes for a great adhesive that can pair well with other types of dental treatments. The dentist can apply resin to the surface of the tooth and then attach a fixture to the teeth atop the resin coating. Then when the resin hardens, it keeps the fixture in place securely.
For instance, dentists will use resin bonding for porcelain veneer treatment. With the security of bonding in the hold of these caps to the front of the teeth, veneers can stay in place for fifteen years. Learn more about the advantages of composite resin by talking to your dentist.