Santa Monica Dentist Reviews The Properties of Composite Resin

Written by Dr. Follette on May 18, 2021

Composite resin is one of the most versatile and widely used materials in both aesthetic and restorative dentistry. Today our Santa Monica dentists are giving you some more information on how composite resin works, and why it’s so popular. Let’s get started!

What is composite resin?

A material frequently used in cosmetic and restorative dentistry procedures, composite resin is a mixture of plastic and ceramic compounds. This versatile combination can be used to achieve a wide variety of treatment outcomes:

  • Correcting dental damage
  • Resurfacing unattractive enamel
  • Closing gaps between teeth
  • Elongating teeth that are worn down or too short
  • Making your smile appear seamless and straight

Why do dentists use composite resin? 

There are a number of reasons to include composite resin in your treatment plan: 

  • It looks like natural enamel
  • It can be made to match any tooth shade
  • It can be molded to fit into hard-to-reach spaces
  • It is durable
  • You’ll be able to care for it as you do your real teeth—no extra cleaning steps!
  • It is not heat-reactive, so it won’t expand and contract over time

What’s the treatment process like?

More good news! The treatment process for placing composite resin is fast, effective, convenient, and comfortable for the patient. Once we prep your teeth, our team will place and shape the composite resin we’re using to improve your smile. When everything looks just right, we cure the resin—this causes it to harden and bond to the tooth’s surface. Once treatment is complete, you won’t be able to tell where the resin ends and your enamel begins!

To learn more about treatment possibilities using composite resin, please give our Santa Monica dentists a call. And, remember, you can always schedule a personal consultation with our team in order to get a better idea of whether resin can help you.