Understanding Composite Fillings: The Modern Approach to Cavity Treatment

Dealing with a cavity is no picnic. However, you must restore your tooth’s health as soon as possible to prevent the damage from worsening. 

In the past, most dentists only offered unattractive metal fillings that were very noticeable and, for some, very sensitive to hot and cold.

Thankfully, today, modern dentists, such as Dr. Matthew VanderLaan at VanderLaan Family Dentistry, offer patients natural-looking composite fillings that blend in seamlessly with their natural teeth. 

A Natural Look

When a person has metal fillings, it’s obvious anytime they open their mouth. While these silver-colored fillings protect your teeth, they can also make your smile unnatural. But, with composite fillings, you can smile, laugh, eat, and talk without anyone being the wiser. These modern fillings are custom-made to perfectly match the size and color of your natural teeth, making them virtually undetectable. 

Strength and Durability

Will you have to sacrifice a little durability for a realistic-looking filling?

Absolutely not. Composite fillings are strong enough to handle daily wear, tear, and pressure your natural teeth experience. Thus, you can eat your favorite foods and enjoy your favorite drinks. Your new fillings will be sturdy and dependable, and with regular checkups, you can ensure they last for a decade or even more. These fracture-resistant fillings can be used on your back and front teeth. They also resist extreme temperatures, meaning you don’t have to fear drinking hot coffee or enjoying your favorite cold treat. 

Repair

Best of all, if your composite filling does become damaged, it is much easier to repair than traditional metal fillings. When metal fillings are damaged, the entire filling must be replaced. However, we can repair the existing material with composite fillings, so you don’t have to repeat the process. 

Real Patients, Real Results

Before and After Images of Patients

Less Drilling

Another huge advantage of composite fillings is that they require less drilling. Some of your natural teeth would be drilled away with traditional metal fillings.

However, Dr. VanderLaan can preserve more of your natural tooth structure with composite fillings since the materials bond directly to your tooth. 

Quick and Easy

With less drilling, you can expect the process of a dental filling to be quick and painless. Getting a composite filling means you’ll be in and out in no time so that you can enjoy the rest of your day as you please. Dr. VanderLaan removes the decayed part of your tooth and then applies the composite resin in layers. After that, he hardens it using a special curing light, and that’s it. Your smile is as good as new, and you can return to your life!

The process can take between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on what needs to be done. 

Aftercare

Once you’ve received your new fillings, avoiding certain foods while the composite material filling integrates with your tooth is important. You’ll need to avoid hot and hard foods. 

Of course, you’ll need to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss.

Let Us Fix Your Smile

Repairing your smile has never been easier. If you want to learn more about getting a dental filling procedure in Byron Center, Michigan, call VanderLaan Family Dentistry at (616) 288-2554 to schedule a consultation with Dr. VanderLann. Together, we can make your smile whole again. 

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