Composites are composed of microscopic quartz filler particles in a resin matrix. They were first developed around 40 years ago but the early materials had numerous problems. Rapid improvements have been achieved in the last 10 years and the result is strength and durability similar to that achieved with amalgam.
Advantages of Composite:
- Same colour as your tooth.
- Less cutting of your tooth is required so remaining tooth is stronger.
- Strong adhesion irrespective of the shape of the cavity once the decay has been removed.
- Strong bonding to your enamel, the composite is bonded so strongly that the enamel would be more likely to break away from the underlying dentine than the filling.
- Reduces the chance of your tooth breaking. When the filling sets it contracts pulling the walls of the tooth together.
- You can eat on it immediately. Composites are at full strength as soon as the curing light is removed.
Disadvantages of Composite:
- Technique sensitive, badly placed composites will fail sooner.
- Placement is a longer procedure.
- Generally more expensive than amalgam.
Adhesive Dentistry (Bonding)
Cracked, decayed and chipped teeth are common but they can flaw your smile and create the wrong first impression. Whether as a result of brushing, decay or just bad luck, many damaged or disfigured teeth can be restored in a single visit. Because the dentist adheres the restorative materials directly to your teeth, this technique is called “direct adhesion” or bonding.
The advantage of this technique is that it preserves your existing natural tooth material. The procedures employed are totally painless and so no anaesthetic is required.
Here are some examples of what can be done with “adhesive dentistry”.
How is it done?
Cosmetic bonding is a process in which a composite resin is layered upon your teeth and then sculpted to the desired shape. The composite is a resin in which microscopic beads of glass are suspended. These give the composite strength and wear resistance.
After your teeth are cleaned with an acidic gel-primer, the bonding agent is applied to make the tooth receptive to the composite.
Once the last layer has been hardened the composite is then shaped and polished.
After bonding, the finished composite is extremely strong and may be used, as you would any other tooth.
