Composite Fillings, Tooth Colored Fillings Hermosa Beach

Due to advances in modern materials and techniques, new esthetically attractive materials are available for creation of beautiful, natural-looking smiles. There are three main categories of tooth-colored fillings: composites, pressed ceramics and porcelain.

Composite fillings are made from tooth-colored reinforced resin materials. Composite fillings are a direct filling material and normally can be completed in one visit. During this visit, the tooth is prepared for the filling, which means all decay and old filling materials are removed. Next, an etch material is used to thoroughly clean the tooth of all debris and bacteria. The etch processes also creates a favorable physical enamel and dentin surface for the adhesive bonding. At this point, an adhesive resin is applied and the composite is placed and contoured to emulate the natural tooth anatomy. Finally, the composite is cured and hardened using a UV light. The composite materials are good for small to medium-sized restorations.

Composite fillings provide a beautiful and natural looking restoration. They are not very resistant to wear and are subject to staining and discoloration over time. Hence, they are not recommended for larger fillings.

Another type of filling is an indirect composite filling. This type of filling requires two separate visits to the office. During the initial visit, the tooth is prepared and an impression of it is made. Then a temporary filling is placed on the tooth. In the laboratory, the impression is used to make a stone model of the cavity. Next, composite material will be utilized to fabricate the filling on the stone model. During the second office visit, the lab-fabricated composite filling will be bonded (cemented) to the tooth.