Restoration with composite materials is a fairly relevant method in dentistry. Today it is popular. In this review, we will look at how teeth are restored with composite material, photos of the results, advantages, cost and effect of this procedure.
Basic information
Composite materials are chemical compounds of polymers of varying degrees of viscosity. Today they are used to restore teeth in aesthetic and therapeutic dentistry. Their structure must contain an organic matrix, an inorganic filler and a silane connecting them.
The main condition under which the composite restoration of teeth will be completed successfully is the quality work of a specialist. This is not required for a simple filling.
Advantages and disadvantages
Let's take a closer look at them. Restoration of teethcomposite material has many advantages:
- Excellent aesthetic effect can be achieved. Composites vary in color. The doctor will be able to choose a material that will not differ from the color of the patient's natural enamel.
- Restoration of chewing functions. 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.
- Duration of the procedure. One visit to the dentist will be enough to solve problems with several teeth through composite restoration.
- This method is one of the most sparing restoration options that preserve he althy incisor tissues.
- Affordable cost. The price of the procedure is relatively low.
Composite restorations also have their downsides. These include:
- Probability of incorrect determination by the dentist of 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.
- Composites are less chip and stain resistant than ceramics.
- Compared to gold and porcelain, composite will not last as long.
- Composite materials retain their color characteristics for only 3-4 years.
- The risk of recurrent caries is much higher than with 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.
- Chipped or broken crown after trauma.
- Caries or other ailments: erosion of dental tissues, enamel hypoplasia.
- Formation of an artificial incisor based on an existing root.
- Defect of small incisors. In this case, prosthetics with an adhesive bridge will help to correct the situation.
Contraindications
Unfortunately, composite restorations are not for everyone. This type of intervention cannot be performed if the patient has a pacemaker. The problem is that the photopolymerizer can disrupt the pulse frequency of the device and lead to cardiac arrest. Also, restoration cannot be carried out with some dental features associated with the impossibility of protecting the carious cavity from moisture penetration. Contraindications also include an allergic reaction to individual elements of the composite.
There are relative contraindications. The procedure in this case is allowed with their correction. These include:
- Bruxism.
- Inadequate oral hygiene.
- Mistake.
- Incisor defect.
- Increased enamel wear.
- Injury sports.
Materials used
What is the effect of composite tooth restoration? Photos of patients after the procedure suggest that the materials used make it possible to fully restore the aesthetic characteristics of the incisors. Composite substances can vary in hue, hardness and structure density. Today, dentistry has a rich selection of high-quality composites with different compositions and properties, so choosing the perfect option can be done 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 he althy teeth.
- Easy to work with the material, ease of crown formation.
- Long service life.
- Low chance of an allergic reaction.
- Compliance with the gloss, color and structure of natural dental tissues.
- In terms of physical properties, composite materials are as close as possible to the tissues of the tooth, which ensures chewing comfort.
- Versatility (the same material can be used for both anterior composite restorations and other procedures).
- Availability (composites are much cheaper than other materials used in dental restorations).
Selection criteria
Before proceeding with the composite restoration of teeth, the doctormust choose the right material for the procedure. To do this, it is necessary to take into account the following indicators:
- Type of damaged tooth and its location.
- Enamel shade.
- The state of the individual layers of the tooth.
- Type of use.
All composite materials are divided into two types depending on the use:
- Indirect. For their hardening, special devices are used. The strength-building procedure takes place outside the oral cavity. Such options are considered more persistent. They are used to mask enlarged interdental spaces, form veneers, bridges, inlays and crowns.
- Straight. They harden under the influence of a hand-held 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 restoration of teeth performed? The choice of method is determined by the type of affected tooth (frontal or chewing), as well as the amount of damage.
Let's consider them in more detail:
- Veneers. They are thin plates designed to cover the dental surface. This type of restoration is carried out to correct visual dental effects and protect against external damage. Veneers can be used to mask enlarged teeth gaps, as well as to eliminate the pronounced yellowness of tooth enamel. Veneers are made by a dentist or dental technician. The procedure is carried out directly in the patient's oral cavity. Previously, the doctor, after local anesthesia, 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 with a special lamp. At the final stage, the surface of the veneer is ground and shaped. Thus, the restoration of anterior teeth with composite material can be carried out.
- Tab. This is an impression of the composite that duplicates the surface of the tooth. This element is manufactured by an indirect method. The composite tab is installed in two stages. First, the doctor processes the affected tooth and takes a cast of the dentition. This will help define the outline of the tooth and bite. At the same stage, the color of the tab is determined. After that, the doctor sets a temporary analogue. The inlay itself is made from a composite material according to the shape of the cast. It is installed during a return visit to the dentist. For installation, special adhesives are used. The border of the tab should be carefully polished. This technique is rarely chosen today due to its low efficiency. At the same time, the cost of the procedure is high.
- Fills. They can also be made from composite materials. The first step is to prepare the tooth cavity. The damaged section of the cutter is drilled out 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 inwithin 15 seconds, etched with phosphoric acid. Next, a binder component is applied, which hardens under the action of a photopolymerizer. Flowable or elastic composite should be applied in layers. The thickness of each layer is approximately 2 mm. This is necessary in order for it to harden properly. When applying layers, the dentist usually gives the tooth a physiological shape. Before the final polishing, the doctor checks the bite. The protruding elements of the filling should not cause discomfort to the patient when chewing.
Sequence of actions
Let's take a closer look at the stages of restoration of teeth with composite materials:
- Preparation. First, the doctor must perform a professional cleaning, remove plaque. Then the selection of the 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 out damaged areas of the teeth, isolates them from saliva using cotton swabs or special devices. After that, the composite material is applied in layers and the pins are installed.
- At the final stage, the surface of the teeth is polished and polished, as well as their coating with fluorine-containing varnish.
Financial side
How much does composite dental 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, andalso used composite materials. On average, installing a filling from a composite of light reflection under a crown will cost 2,000 rubles. Artistic restoration of the tooth will cost about 4 thousand rubles. Installing a veneer is estimated at the same amount. The most expensive method is the installation of 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 procedures prior to the use of composite materials.
Reviews
How effective is composite dental restoration? Reviews and photos taken before and after the procedure allow you to verify the effectiveness of this technique. Veneers can be used to darken the enamel, as well as to hide various defects.
For those involved in traumatic sports, restoration of teeth with composite materials can be a real salvation. This procedure allows you to get straight and strong teeth that are almost indistinguishable from your own. Disadvantages of the procedure include:
- Restrictions on types of food (not everything can be chewed with such teeth).
- Painful procedure even with anesthesia.
- Fragility.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed in detail how composite tooth restoration works. Photos and reviews of patients, as well as recommendations from specialists speak in favor of the use of thismethods.
