Why do dentists use resin for tooth fillings?
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Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:Dentists sometimes use resin for tooth fillings because it offers certain advantages over other materials used to make dental fillings. Dentists use fillings to repair teeth damaged by decay. Resin fillings (sometimes called composite resin fillings) are made from a mixture of plastic and very tiny, fine glass particles. Unlike a silver-colored amalgam filling, a resin filling blends in with the color of your teeth. Resin is also stronger than amalgam because it bonds directly to the teeth. One downside, however, is that resin fillings cost more than amalgam fillings.
Dentists sometimes use resin for tooth fillings because it offers certain advantages over other materials used to make dental fillings. Dentists use fillings to repair teeth damaged by decay. Resin fillings (sometimes called composite resin... More -
Discovery Health answered:Composite, resin, or white fillings have been in use for about 20 years. Composite fillings are made from an organic polymer called bisphenol-A-glycidyl methacrylate (BIS-GMA). They also contain inorganic particles including quartz, borosilicate glass and lithium aluminum silicate.
As advantages, resin fillings require a more conservative tooth preparation (less drilling) and can have a strengthening effect on the tooth. They also are very aesthetic, virtually blending in with the tooth. Resin fillings are the most popular material for repairing front teeth.
As far as disadvantages, they are more technique sensitive for the dentist and are highly susceptible to decay if placed improperly. Resin fillings usually cost more than an amalgam, and research has shown a by-product of some resin restorations called bisphenol-A might be estrogenic and increase the risk of breast cancer. Regardless of this research, composite fillings are considered safe and they are approved by the American Dental Association.
Composite, resin, or white fillings have been in use for about 20 years. Composite fillings are made from an organic polymer called bisphenol-A-glycidyl methacrylate (BIS-GMA). They also contain inorganic particles including quartz, borosilicate... More -
Dr. William Litaker answered:Resins or composite fillings are used to fill teeth. They are tooth colored, and the fillings using these materials can be made to look like the tooth. They are routinely used for fillings in anterior teeth and may be used for posterior teeth as well. They are an alternative to silver fillings (amalgams) in posterior teeth. Your dentist can best advise you as to which filling material would be best for filling your tooth.
Resins or composite fillings are used to fill teeth. They are tooth colored, and the fillings using these materials can be made to look like the tooth. They are routinely used for fillings in anterior teeth and may be used for posterior teeth... More -
Dr. Philip Uffer answered:Mostly for cosmetic reasons.
The tooth-colored fillings also bond to the tooth.
That being said, there are certain disadvantages of using the tooth-colored stuff (composite resins).
If you can't keep the area dry, the bond will fail.
If a patient doesn't have good oral hygiene, my experience is that amalgam (or gold, or some other metal) may hold up better than composite resins.
There are more pros and cons to each material....but that would be another question. ;)
Mostly for cosmetic reasons. The tooth-colored fillings also bond to the tooth. That being said, there are certain disadvantages of using the tooth-colored stuff (composite resins). If you can't keep the area dry, the bond will fail. If a patient... More
