About Dental Composite
Dental composites are made of resin, which is a hard, synthetic polymer. Available in several shades of white, this allows your dentist to make a perfect match to your tooth. Composite fillings are appropriate for most areas of the mouth, even on front teeth, where appearance is most important. Since the composite fillings will match the patient’s tooth in color, they can be molded in a natural shape, making it impossible to notice.
Appropriate age for Dental Composite
Dental composite, also known as composite bonding, is a versatile dental treatment used to address various aesthetic and structural issues with teeth. It’s a popular choice for people of all ages, including children, adolescents, adults, and senior citizens. The procedure involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the teeth, which can be shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth.
The appropriateness of dental composite is not necessarily determined by age, but rather by the specific dental needs and overall oral health of the individual. For instance, composite bonding can be an excellent choice for people who are unhappy with their smiles but don’t need extensive cosmetic dentistry. It can close gaps and spaces between teeth, and fix discoloration, minor crookedness, cracks, chips, and worn-down teeth.
However, it’s important to note that dental composite may not be suitable for individuals with tooth decay, gum disease, or bone loss may not be ideal candidates for this procedure. In such cases, dental professionals might recommend other treatments, such as porcelain veneers or crowns.
In terms of children and adolescents, the use of dental composite is often determined by the development of their jaw and teeth. While there’s no specific age limit, dental professionals typically wait until the patient’s jaw bone development is complete, which can continue until the early twenties. This ensures that the dental composite can be applied effectively and last for a long time.
In conclusion, while there’s no set age limit for the use of dental composite, it’s crucial to consider the individual’s oral health and dental needs. A consultation with a dental professional is always recommended to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment options.
Dental Composite Procedure
Steps to do Dental Composite
Dental composite, also known as composite bonding, is a common procedure used to repair decayed, damaged, or discolored teeth. The procedure involves several steps:
Preparing the Tooth: The dentist begins by preparing the tooth. This may involve trimming the tooth if necessary and removing any decayed part of the tooth. The tooth is then cleaned and dried.
Acid Etching: The dentist applies an acid etching solution to the enamel and dentin of the tooth. This roughens the surface of the tooth, allowing the dental composite to bond more effectively.
Applying the Bonding Agent: A bonding agent is applied to the tooth. This agent helps the dental composite adhere to the tooth.
Placing the Dental Composite: The dentist then places the dental composite in layers. The composite is a tooth-colored resin that can be shaped to match the surrounding teeth.
Curing the Restoration: The dentist uses a special light, often ultraviolet, to harden or “cure” the dental composite.
Final Shaping & Polishing: Once the composite has hardened, the dentist will shape and polish the restoration to match the rest of the tooth and ensure a smooth finish.
Aftercare: After the procedure, the dentist will provide instructions for aftercare. This may include avoiding certain foods and drinks for a short period and maintaining good oral hygiene habits.
The dental composite procedure is a multi-step process that involves preparing the tooth, applying the composite material, and shaping and polishing the final restoration. With proper care and maintenance, a dental composite can provide a long-lasting solution to various dental issues.
Dental Composite Advantages and Disadvantages
Dental composite, also known as composite resin, is a popular material used in various dental procedures, including fillings and cosmetic bonding. It offers several advantages but also comes with a few disadvantages. These include:
Advantages of Dental Composite
Aesthetics: Dental composite is tooth-colored and can be customized to match the natural color of your teeth, making it almost unnoticeable. This makes it an excellent choice for front teeth and other visible areas.
Preservation of Tooth Structure: Unlike other filling materials, dental composite allows for minimal removal of tooth structure, which can be beneficial for preserving the health and integrity of the tooth.
Bonding to Tooth Structure: Dental composite can bond directly to the tooth, providing additional support and stability.
Versatility: Dental composite can be used for a variety of dental restorations, including fillings, veneers, inlays, crowns, and repairing chipped or broken teeth.
Disadvantages of Dental Composite
Durability: While dental composite is quite durable, it may not be as long-lasting as other materials, such as amalgam or gold. This is particularly true for large fillings or those in molars and premolars, which must withstand significant chewing pressure.
Procedure Time: The process of placing a composite filling is more complex and time-consuming than for other types of fillings.
Cost: Dental composite fillings tend to be more expensive than amalgam fillings.
Dental Composite Aftercare
Aftercare for dental composite, also known as composite bonding, is crucial to maintain the longevity and effectiveness of the treatment. Here are some key points to consider:
Oral Hygiene: Regular oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily, are essential. Using quality mouthwash morning and night can also help protect teeth against damage.
Dietary Considerations: It’s recommended to avoid very hard food and sweets, which can potentially damage the composite bonding. Also, certain foods and drinks such as tea, red wine, juices, coffee, and sweets with artificial coloring can stain the teeth. If you smoke, this is a good reason to quit.
Avoid Harmful Habits: Habits like biting your nails can harm the dental composite. It’s also advisable to refrain from drinking hot beverages and avoid chewing until the numbness has worn off after the procedure.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Scheduling regular dental cleanings every six months can help maintain the brightness of the bonding. During these visits, any dietary staining can be polished off by your hygienist or dentist.
Night Guard: If you grind your teeth at night, it’s best to get a night guard for nighttime wear to prevent any breakages.
Flossing: It’s recommended to gently slide the floss to prevent pulling it forcefully against the bonded area.
Tooth Sensitivity: A small percentage of people might experience tooth sensitivity for some days after the procedure. If you notice this, you should avoid hot and cold foods and drinks until your teeth feel completely normal.
How long does a Dental Composite last?
Dental composite, also known as composite bonding, is a widely used material in various dental procedures. It’s known for its versatility and aesthetic appeal, closely matching the natural color of teeth. On average, dental composite lasts between 5 and 10 years. However, the lifespan of the dental composite can vary depending on several factors. These include the location of the bonded tooth, your oral habits, and the quality of aftercare. For instance, composite bonding on a front tooth that doesn’t endure as much pressure as molars might last longer.
It’s important to note that the resin material used in the dental composite is not as strong as your natural teeth, so it can wear down, chip, break, or stain over time. Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are crucial to extending the lifespan of dental composite.
So, while dental composite is a durable and effective treatment option, its longevity can vary based on several factors. Therefore, it’s always recommended to consult with a dental professional to understand the expected lifespan of dental composite in your specific case and how to best care for it to ensure its longevity.
Dental Composite in Iran
Equipped hospitals, and advanced specialized centers with experienced doctors and specialists are available in all medical treatment areas in Iran. Also, good hotels and entertainment centers have made Iran an appropriate choice for patients who need Dental Composite.
Dental Composite cost in Iran
The cost of a dental composite in Iran varies depending on several factors, including the dentist’s fee, the brand of the composite used, and the location of the dental clinic.
One of the most popular brands of dental composite used by dentists in Iran is the Saremco from Swiss. Composites manufactured by this company are micro-hybrid composites and last for a long time. There are different brands of Japanese composites available in the market, and over the last few years, they have been welcomed by dentists and patients. Normally, Japanese composites have a nice variety of colors and tints and come at a more reasonable price range compared to other European brands. German dental composites are among the best and most credible dental composites in Iran and many dentists prefer to recommend them to their patients.
The cost of Dental Composite treatment in Iran for each tooth is around 180-350 USD. It’s important to note that even with these costs, dental treatments in Iran are generally more affordable compared to many Western countries. Therefore, it’s always recommended to consult with a dental professional to get a more accurate estimate based on your specific needs and preferences.