The science of dentistry has come a long way through the ages. From the ancient days where being a dentist essentially meant pulling rotten teeth from a person’s mouth while assistant held him down to the modern marvels today that allow dentists to essentially repair any tooth. Fillings are one of the main reasons why every tooth that has some decay does not have to be pulled from the mouth and even fillings have a come a long way from the amalgam fillings used for a long time to the composite fillings that dentists are switching to today. Even in Andover composite fillings are taking over from their predecessors.

But the change is not limited to Andover. Composite fillings are making waves throughout the dentistry world for the simple reason that they are more aesthetically pleasing for patients that have to have fillings. The composites can be used for filling teeth, filling gaps, reshaping some teeth to a lesser degree or to create partial crowns for teeth. A dentist in their clinic places the filling and the composite is then hardened using a special light. There is a wide range available that allows a dentist to remake virtually any tooth color and to create a nearly flawless filling in the tooth. In comparison to the amalgam fillings of the past, these fillings are virtually invisible unless someone is actually looking for them. The composites also help to strengthen the tooth’s structure and do much less damage to the tooth than the amalgam fillings did. One of the downsides of the composite fillings, however, is that they do not last as long as the amalgam fillings did.

Placing a composite filling is a rather interesting task that requires the dentist to take a lot of factors into consideration. The composite, when applied, is a soft and doughy mixture that only becomes hard when it is exposed to the special wavelength of light. The light only penetrates a small distance into the composite, which means that, should the composite be too thick, the inside may remain soft leading to problems with chewing. In cases where the hole to plugged is very large, the dentist has to build up the composite bit by bit hardening the composite as he goes along. Other concerns are that the tooth has to remain dry while applying the composite, as the composite will not adhere to the tooth if it is too wet. Finally the composite has to be shaped at the end for a comfortable fit or else the patient may experience trouble chewing. For cosmetic dentists in Andover, cosmetic fillings are just one of the things they can do.

But whether you live in Boise or Andover, composite fillings are a blessing. They are more effective than old amalgam fillings and look much better, too. While dentists are still trying to work out all the kinks with the new way to fill teeth, it has already helped numerous people to feel good about their smiles again.