Composite bonding (also known as tooth-colored bonding) restores damage caused by cavities, root canals, accidents, and decay. Many individuals are now having their old silver amalgam fillings replaced with composite bonding for cosmetic reasons.
If you are interested in enhancing your smile with composite bonding, contact Dr. Helen Ragsdale at (512) 346-4690 to schedule an examination at Austin Laser Dentist in Austin, TX. Here are just a few of the benefits of composite bonding.
Replace Gray Amalgam Fillings
Traditional silver amalgam fillings can detract from an otherwise beautiful smile. The metal fillings are often gray, black, or silver. The old fillings can easily be replaced with composite bonding that blends in with your natural teeth. Composite bonding has many benefits over silver amalgam, which contains mercury. Individuals with silver amalgam fillings often complain that their fillings cause temperature sensitivity.
Repair Chipped, Gapped, or Cracked Teeth
Minor chips and cracks can easily be repaired with composite bonding. For this process, Dr. Ragsdale will “prep” your damaged tooth by cleaning the broken surface to ensure a strong bond is made. Then, she will mold the composite resin (once it has been color-matched to blend with your teeth) into the proper shape before using a special light to quickly harden the composite resin. The final step involves polishing the bonding material to ensure that it closely matches the surrounding tooth structure.
A Quick and Affordable Treatment
Composite resin can be placed and cured in well under an hour. Many restorative treatments require multiple visits. Dental bonding is also one of the most affordable treatments (generally a few hundred dollars per tooth), and there is no recovery time associated with this procedure.
Restored Oral Health
Untreated decay can eventually lead to tooth loss. Once Dr. Ragsdale has cleared decay from your tooth, she may use composite resin to seal the damaged area. In this restorative function, composite bonding prevents future decay and restores oral health.
Minimally Invasive Procedure
Similar treatments like inlays, onlays, and silver amalgam require significant tooth “prepping.” This step usually involves removing a portion of enamel to make room for the restoration. Composite bonding does not require a significant amount of enamel to be removed before the composite resin is placed. This treatment is considered one of the least invasive restorative and cosmetic procedures available.
Long-lasting Results
When properly taken care of, composite resin can last 15 years or longer. Tips for caring for and maintaining composite bonding include:
- Visiting your dentist twice a year or cleanings and exams
- Brushing twice a day
- Avoiding hard foods
- Avoiding sugary foods
- Avoiding tobacco products
Reduced Post-treatment Discomfort
Dental fillings protect sensitive areas of the tooth from exposure to the outside environment. Unlike silver amalgam, composite resin fillings minimize the chances of developing a sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks.
Contact Our Office Today
Composite resin fillings are an effective, quick, and affordable treatment for decay and minor damage such as chips. Call us at 512-346-4690, to schedule your examination composite bonding treatment with Dr. Helen Ragsdale.
