27
Sep
Good To Know: Six Benefits of Restoring Your Teeth with Tooth-Colored (Composite) Fillings
If you need to repair a tooth cavity, more options are now available than before. Gone are the days when amalgam (metal) fillings were the only available option for restoring decayed teeth. Today, patients can opt for composite fillings, a safer, more aesthetically pleasing, and less invasive version of silver-colored fillings.
Red Hill Dental Practice’s commitment to your health and safety means we carefully select dental materials that are biocompatible, durable, and effective. Choosing safe restorations like composites restores your smile’s function and appearance and promotes long-term health.
Advantages of composite fillings
Composite is a tooth-colored mixture of finely ground glass and acrylic plastic. Treatment with composite involves applying the material in layers to the damaged tooth and hardening it with a special light, all completed in a single appointment.
Also known as white fillings, composite fillings offer the following benefits.
- Natural appearance: Unlike gold or silver fillings that reveal a metal appearance in the mouth, white fillings are more discrete. Your dentist can design composite resin to match the color of the surrounding teeth. This creates a seamless integration with the rest of your smile, giving you the confidence to show off your beautiful smile.
- Safety: Amalgam fillings contain metal alloys, including mercury, that harm your body. Composite fillings are created from biocompatible and non-toxic materials. Composites have no adverse effects, making them a safe option for tooth restoration.
- Conservative: Silver-colored fillings require removing a significant portion of the tooth alongside the decayed portions. This weakens the overall tooth’s structure. Placing composite fillings is a conservative procedure. The dentist only removes a small portion of the tooth, preserving the structural integrity of your tooth.
- Versatility: While composite fillings are best known for repairing cavities, they can also resolve other dental issues. Composite can be bonded onto teeth to fix chipped or cracked teeth. The tooth-colored material can also be placed on your teeth to cover severe discoloration and other minor cosmetic issues.
- Resistance to temperature change: Because they are created from metal, amalgam fillings expand and contract as temperatures change in the mouth. Over time, this can crack and weaken the tooth. Composite fillings have insulating properties, making them resistant to thermal changes in the mouth. This way, you can enjoy cold and hot foods without worrying about the safety of your restorations.
- Easily repairable: Composite fillings are durable and can last over five years with proper maintenance. However, they can wear down due to everyday chewing and biting. Luckily, composite fillings are easily repairable to continue protecting the tooth underneath.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (03) 5907 5942 | Existing Patients: (03) 5989 2144
Composite fillings in Red Hill, Victoria
Are you ready to repair your damaged or decayed tooth? Dr. Chris Wooldridge and his team offer superb, natural-looking fillings that generate realistic-looking outcomes, allowing you to show off your confident smile—call (03) 5907 5942 2 to schedule an appointment today.
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Dr. Emma Barnsley
Dr. Emma Barnsley has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years since earning her Bachelor of Dentistry from Sheffield University in 2003. She also holds an MFDS from The Royal College of Surgeons, Glasgow. Dr. Emma is a member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and the ICCDE (Orth), and her expertise spans general, cosmetic, restorative, and surgical dentistry. She is particularly focused on optimizing children’s dental development. Dr. Emma is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care and stays committed to continuous professional development to ensure the best outcomes for her patients.
Dr. Julia Gellatly
Dr. Julia Gellatly has over 15 years of dental experience, having graduated with honors from her Bachelor of Dental Science in 2009. She further advanced her qualifications with a Master’s in Forensic Medicine from Monash University in 2020, becoming a certified Forensic Odontologist. Dr. Julia is known for her expertise in restorative and pediatric dentistry, with a special focus on alleviating anxiety in patients. She is recognized for her thorough patient education and gentle approach, ensuring informed, comfortable care. Her continuous pursuit of professional growth underscores her dedication to excellence and patient trust.
Dr. Chris Wooldridge
Dr. Chris Wooldridge is a highly skilled dentist with extensive post-graduate training, including a diploma in Advanced General Dentistry and a Mastership in Implantology from Melbourne University. With years of experience, he is an active member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA), the Australasian Osseointegration Society, and the International Team for Implantology. Dr. Chris is dedicated to offering advanced, evidence-based treatments and regularly undertakes professional development. His commitment to patient care, education, and the latest techniques ensures a high standard of dental care and fosters trust and confidence in his patients.
Skye Greenhill
With two decades of experience, Skye Greenhill is a highly qualified dental therapist who graduated from The University of Melbourne in 2004. She holds a postgraduate certificate in dental therapy (advanced clinical practice), which she completed in 2010. Skye is recognized for her expertise in pediatric and young adult care, and she prioritizes reducing dental anxiety through patient-centered approaches. She has also served as a clinical demonstrator at The University of Melbourne. She stays current with the latest practices through regular professional development, ensuring trustworthy and high-quality care for all her patients.
Dr. Paul Gleeson
Dr. Paul Gleeson has over 35 years of dental experience, with expertise in general, cosmetic, restorative, and surgical dentistry. A graduate of the Las Vegas Institute, Dr. Paul is highly skilled in implant planning and placement. He is a respected member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and the VDEAS Study Group. Known for his commitment to tailored patient care, Dr. Paul stays current with the latest advancements in dentistry, ensuring his treatments are of the highest standard. His long-standing experience and dedication to excellence make him a trusted name in dental care.
Dr. Raoul Harrison
Dr. Raoul Harrison has over 40 years of experience, having graduated from Melbourne University in 1983. He has extensive expertise in oral surgery, implant placement, and wisdom tooth removal, with advanced training from Zurich and Boston. Dr. Raoul has been placing implants since 1997 and is a member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA), the International Team for Implantology, and the International Association of Dental Traumatology. His dedication to continued education and collaboration within his field makes him a highly authoritative and trusted professional in oral surgery and implantology.