Composite restoration is a fairly relevant method in dentistry. Today it is popular. In this review, we will examine how tooth restoration with composite material is carried out, photos of the results, advantages, cost and effect of this procedure.
basic information
Composite materials are called chemical compounds of polymers of various degrees of viscosity. Today they are used to restore teeth in aesthetic and therapeutic dentistry. Their structure must necessarily contain an organic matrix, inorganic filler and silane connecting them.
The main condition under which the composite restoration of teeth is completed successfully is the quality work of a specialist. With a simple filling, this is not required.
Advantages and disadvantages
Let's look at them in more detail. Tooth restoration with a composite material has many advantages:
- You can achieve an excellent aesthetic effect. Composites vary in shades. The doctor will be able to pick up material that will not differ from the color of the patient’s natural enamel.
- Chewing function recovery. Composite restoration of teeth makes it possible to restore the chewing surface of the tooth. At the same time, a person can eat calmly, without experiencing discomfort and pain.
- The duration of the procedure. A single visit to the dentist will be quite enough to solve problems with several teeth through composite restoration.
- This method is one of the most gentle restoration options that preserves the healthy tissue of the incisor.
- Affordable cost. The price of the procedure is relatively low.
Composite restoration also has its drawbacks. These include:
- The likelihood of a dentist defining the type of composite material. In this case, the material may be too hard or too soft for a particular type of tooth. In addition, it may simply not match the color.
- Composite products are less resistant to chips and stains than ceramics.
- Compared with gold and porcelain, the composite will last not so long.
- Composite materials retain their color characteristics for only 3-4 years.
- The risk of secondary caries is much higher than when using ceramics.
Indications for use
Like any surgical intervention, composite tooth restoration has certain indications for use. Doctors recommend doing this procedure in the following cases:
- Violation of the aesthetic characteristics of the teeth. This may be a change in the shape or color of the incisors, non-physiological localization in a row.
- Chipping or breaking of the crown after injury.
- Caries or other ailments: erosion of dental tissues, enamel hypoplasia.
- The formation of an artificial incisor based on the existing root.
- Defect of small incisors. In this case, prosthetics with an adhesive bridge structure will help to rectify the situation.
Contraindications
Unfortunately, composite restoration is not suitable for everyone. Intervention of this kind cannot be carried out if the patient has a pacemaker. The problem is that the photopolymerizer is able to disrupt the pulse frequency of the apparatus and lead to cardiac arrest. Also, restoration can not be carried out with some dental features associated with the inability to protect the cavity from moisture. Contraindications also include an allergic reaction to individual elements of the composite.
There are relative contraindications. The procedure in this case is allowed when they are corrected. These include:
- Bruxism.
- Inadequate oral hygiene.
- Malocclusion.
- Defect of incisors.
- Enhanced enamel abrasion.
- Occupation of traumatic sports.
Materials used
What is the effect of composite dental restoration? Photos of patients after the procedure suggest that the materials used make it possible to completely restore the aesthetic characteristics of the incisors. Composite materials can vary in hue, hardness, and structure density. Today in dentistry a wide selection of high-quality composites is presented, which has a different composition and properties, so you can choose the perfect option without much difficulty.
The following requirements are usually imposed on materials:
- Increased strength (especially important when it comes to the restoration of chewing teeth).
- High radiopacity (simplifies diagnosis).
- Good adhesion to the tissues of healthy teeth.
- Convenience of work with material, ease of crown formation.
- Long term of operation.
- Low probability of an allergic reaction.
- Matching shine, color and structure to natural dental tissues.
- In terms of physical properties, composite materials are as close as possible to tooth tissues, which ensures comfort when chewing.
- Versatility (using the same material, a composite restoration of the front teeth and other procedures can be carried out).
- Accessibility (composites are much cheaper than other materials used for tooth restoration).
Criterias of choice
Before embarking on a composite restoration of teeth, the doctor must choose the right material for the procedure. To do this, consider the following indicators:
- Type of damaged tooth and its localization.
- Shade of enamel.
- The condition of the individual layers of the tooth.
- Type of use.
All composite materials are divided into two types depending on use:
- Indirect. For their hardening, special devices are used. The procedure for building strength occurs outside the oral cavity. Such options are considered more persistent. They are used to mask extended interdental spaces, the formation of veneers, bridges, inlays and crowns.
- Direct. Harden under the influence of a manual laser directly in the oral cavity. Such materials are used to fill small interdental spaces and cavities with minor changes in the length and shape of the teeth.
Restoration methods
How is composite tooth restoration performed? The choice of method is determined by the type of affected tooth (frontal or chewing), as well as the amount of damage.
Consider them in more detail:
- Veneers. They are thin plates designed to cover the dental surface. This type of restoration is performed to correct visual dental effects and protect against external damage. Veneers can be used to mask extended tooth crevices, as well as to eliminate pronounced yellowness of tooth enamel. Veneers are made by a dentist or dental technician. The procedure is carried out directly in the oral cavity of the patient. After a local anesthesia, the doctor first removes part of the enamel so that the veneer does not go beyond the dentition. After that, the contact surface is cleaned and degreased, and also treated with an antiseptic. Composite material is applied in layers to the surface. Each layer is dried using a special lamp. At the final stage, the surface of the veneer is sanded and shaped. Thus, restoration of the anterior teeth with a composite material can be carried out.
- Tab. This is a cast of the composite, duplicating the surface of the tooth. This element is made by an indirect method. The composite tab is set in two stages. First, the doctor processes the affected tooth and takes an impression of the dentition. This will help determine the shape of the tooth and bite. At the same stage, the color of the tab is determined. After that, the doctor establishes a temporary analogue. According to the shape of the mold, the tab itself is made of composite material. It is installed during a second visit to the dentist. For installation use special adhesives. The tab border must be carefully polished. This technique is rarely chosen today because of its low efficiency. Moreover, the cost of the procedure is high.
- Fillings. They can also be made from composite materials. First, the preparation of the dental cavity. The damaged area of the cutter is drilled and given the correct shape. After that, the surface is cleaned for better adhesion to the composite. The tooth is isolated from contact with liquid media and etched with phosphoric acid for 15 seconds. Next, a binder component is applied, hardening under the action of a photopolymerization agent. Flowable or elastic composite must be applied in layers. The thickness of each layer is approximately 2 mm. This is necessary so that it hardens in the right way. When applying the layers, the dentist usually gives the tooth a physiological shape. Before final polishing, the doctor checks the bite. The protruding filling elements should not cause patient discomfort when chewing.
Sequencing
Let us consider in more detail the stages of tooth restoration with composite materials:
- Training. First, the doctor must perform professional cleaning, remove plaque. Then the selection of composite material is carried out. It should have a structure and color that matches the patient’s teeth. At this stage, local anesthesia is usually performed.
- The main stage. The dentist drills the damaged areas of the teeth, isolates them from saliva using cotton swabs or special devices. After that, composite material is applied in layers and pins are installed.
- At the final stage, polishing and grinding of the surface of the teeth is carried out, as well as their coating with fluorine-containing varnish.
Financial side
How much does composite tooth restoration cost? Patient reviews confirm that this procedure is very affordable. The price depends on the volume of the affected area, the method of restoration, as well as the composite materials used. On average, installing a seal from a light reflection composite under a crown will cost 2 thousand rubles. Art restoration of a tooth will cost about 4 thousand rubles. Installation of veneer is estimated at the same amount. The most expensive method is installing a composite tab. It costs from 7 thousand rubles. In addition, you will also need to pay for anesthesia, pin fixation, fluoridation and various therapeutic techniques prior to the use of composite materials.
Reviews
How effective is composite tooth restoration? Reviews and photos taken before and after the procedure allow you to verify the effectiveness of this technique. Installation of veneers can be used for darkening enamel, as well as to hide various defects.
For those involved in traumatic sports, tooth restoration with composite materials can be a real salvation. This procedure allows you to get smooth and strong teeth, which are almost indistinguishable from your own. The disadvantages of the procedure, patients include:
- Restrictions on the type of food (not all can be chewed with such teeth).
- Soreness of the procedure, even with anesthesia.
- Fragility.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed in detail how composite restoration of teeth occurs. Photos and reviews of patients, as well as recommendations of specialists speak in favor of using this technique.