Benefits of composite fillings

Have you been hearing the term “composite” lately but you are not quite sure what makes it so special? If we have suggested tooth bonding or a tooth-colored restoration to improve the beauty or health of your smile, this is a material you may wish to learn more about. First, understand that composite is a synthetic acrylic-resin substance used in a variety of treatments in which we create the illusion of additional tooth tissue. As for the benefits of composite that make it so special, we invite you to consider the following:

It’s A Safe Alternative to Metal

Have you ever received a metal filling? Many patients do not qualify for metal restorations for a variety of reasons. Fortunately, one of the benefits of composite is that it is safe for most of our patients, including the following:

  • Pregnant women, who do not quality for amalgam
  • Young children for whom the toxicity of mercury in metal restorations poses a potential threat
  • Metal allergy sufferers who require an alternate solution 

Composite Is A Weak Thermal Conductor

You know from experience that metal heats up and cools off quickly depending on it surroundings. A metal car handle on a winter’s day will feel extremely cold – the same handle will feel very hot on a scorching summer afternoon. Fortunately, one huge benefit of composite is that it does not conduct heat or cold like metal, which means you will not need to worry about heightened temperature-related sensitivity.

We Can Customize Your Composite Shade

One of the most exciting benefits of composite is that we can customize the shade to match your surrounding tooth. This allows us to improve or repair your tooth, while restoring it beautifully. For instance, dental bonding will look beautiful and natural. In addition, tooth-colored fillings will address your tooth decay, while leaving behind a cosmetically sound tooth that looks as though it never suffered a cavity.

Learn more about the many benefits of composite filling material

Aside from providing dependable general and restorative dentistry services to our community, Dr. James Fondriest also holds respected academic appointments at the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL, and the Spear Institute in Scottsdale, AZ, and he is a former adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at the University of Florida Dental School. At Lake Forest Dental Arts, Dr. Fondriest combines his impressive array of experience with modern technology and caring, compassionate, knowledgeable staff, and we proudly serve patients from Chicago and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (847) 234-0517.