Visit Our Victoria Dental Office for Durable, Tooth-Coloured Fillings
Metal-Free Fillings
When it comes to restoring damaged teeth, Dr. Crapo & Associates often use composite resin, a versatile filling material. Because composite fillings don’t contain mercury and match the colour of natural teeth, they’re ideal for repairing decayed, chipped, cracked, worn, and broken teeth, as well as to correct gaps between teeth.
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Composite fillings are durable and can last for many years. They can be placed in just one appointment; you won’t have to come see us to have them replaced for a very long time. Contact Dr. Crapo & Associates to find out more about getting composite fillings in Victoria.
What Are Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings are durable resin restorations used to repair teeth affected by decay, minor damage, or wear. Unlike traditional metal fillings, they are carefully colour-matched to your natural teeth for a seamless look while restoring strength and function.
During treatment, the composite material is applied directly to the tooth in layers and hardened with a special curing light. Once shaped and polished, the filling blends naturally with your smile, making it difficult to distinguish from the surrounding tooth structure.
Composite fillings are commonly used to treat cavities, repair chipped or cracked teeth, replace worn fillings, and improve minor cosmetic imperfections. At Dr. Crapo & Associates, we provide composite fillings to help patients maintain healthy, functional, and natural-looking smiles.
Benefits of Composite Fillings
Composite fillings offer several advantages for patients looking for a durable and aesthetically pleasing way to restore damaged teeth.
Natural Appearance
Composite resin is available in a variety of tooth shades and can be matched to the colour of your teeth. This allows the restoration to blend seamlessly into your smile.
Metal-Free Material
Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, composite fillings do not contain metal. Many patients appreciate having a metal-free restoration option that looks and feels more natural.
Strong Bond to the Tooth
Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, helping to reinforce and support the remaining healthy tooth. This can result in a strong and durable restoration.
Conservative Treatment
Because composite resin adheres to the tooth, less healthy tooth structure often needs to be removed during treatment compared to some traditional filling materials.
Versatile Solution
In addition to treating cavities, composite fillings can be used to repair chips, small cracks, worn edges, and other minor damage, making them a versatile restorative option.
Composite Fillings vs Silver Fillings
Both composite and silver (amalgam) fillings are used to restore teeth affected by decay or damage, but there are several important differences between the two materials.
Appearance
Composite fillings are tooth-coloured and blend naturally with surrounding teeth. Silver fillings are metallic in appearance and can be more noticeable when you smile or speak.
Tooth Preservation
Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, which often allows dentists to preserve more natural tooth structure during treatment. Silver fillings rely primarily on mechanical retention.
Material Composition
Composite fillings are made from a resin-based material and are mercury-free. Silver fillings are made from a combination of metals that may include mercury, silver, copper, and tin.
Versatility
Composite fillings can be used for both restorative and cosmetic purposes, including repairing chipped teeth and replacing old visible fillings. Silver fillings are primarily used for restoring areas affected by decay.
Patient Preference
Many patients today choose composite fillings because they provide both functional restoration and a more natural-looking result.
Composite Fillings and Restorative Dentistry
While composite fillings offer a beautiful tooth-coloured result, they are still considered restorative dentistry rather than cosmetic. This is because the filling itself is required as a repair or replacement for a decayed, damaged, broken, or missing tooth. In other words, a composite filling restores a tooth’s function. Of course, the wonderful advantage of composite fillings is that they are both functional and beautiful at the same time.
