Top Dentist Serving the Aurora Community
Composite Fillings
Quality Composite Fillings in Aurora
Cavities and small fractures can cause much larger issues if left untreated. In the past, metal restorations called amalgam fillings (or silver fillings) served a need but left many teeth discolored and strained from the wedging effect of the metal. Today, tooth-colored composite resins blend into the tooth structure and are chemically bonded to the tooth providing a strong, permanent restoration.
Composites serve both functional and aesthetic roles, often at the same time. For example, a cavity invading the front of a tooth along the gum line may be visible in your smile line. By gently cleaning out the soft, discolored area and replacing it with a tooth-colored filling, the tooth is restored and looks better than ever.
Composites contain a mix of liquid resin embedded with finely ground glass particles. After being molded to the prepared tooth structure, a blue light applied directly to the composite hardens the filling material within seconds. Once it’s shaped and polished to a high shine, the restoration is complete.
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Composite Fillings FAQs
What are composite fillings?
Composite fillings are tooth-colored restorations used to repair cavities or minor chips. They blend naturally with your tooth structure, making them a more aesthetic alternative to silver (amalgam) fillings.
How long do composite fillings last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, composite fillings typically last 7–10 years. Their lifespan depends on the size of the filling, your bite, and habits such as grinding or chewing hard foods.
Are composite fillings safe?
Yes. Composite fillings are made from a strong, biocompatible resin material that bonds directly to the tooth. They contain no metal or mercury, making them a safe and popular choice.
What is the process for getting a composite filling?
Dr. Zhu removes the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth, cleans the area, and applies layers of composite resin. Each layer is hardened with a curing light before the filling is shaped and polished.
Do composite fillings look natural?
Absolutely. Composite fillings are shade-matched to your natural tooth color, making them virtually invisible when you smile, chew, or speak.
