In this article we will talk about resins, nanotechnology resins and amalgams, the difference between them, as well as the benefits of one and the other. It is important that you know which option is ideal for your condition.
What are resins?
Dental resins are esthetic and functional restorations of teeth that are used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. They are worked to match the color of the tooth, obtaining a result that is pleasing to the eye. They are generally used as an esthetic alternative to common amalgams and can also be used to correct tooth fractures, fissures and cracks. They can be used on both front teeth and molars. They are a good option for people who prefer their fillings to be more natural looking.
There are a few types of resins, but the most commonly used today are composite resins.
Composite Resins
These are called composites or hybrids because of the use of glass, silica or phosphate fillers in them. The composition of this type of resin is similar to that of natural teeth, since they have resistance to fatigue, compression and traction. Also, due to their properties, they are more resistant than other types of resins to wear due to chewing, better polishing and finishing that helps not to retain bacteria, as well as ease of handling by the dentist.
Depending on the bite and hygiene of each person, it is recommended to change the resin restorations approximately every 8 years.
What is an amalgam?
Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury, silver, tin and copper. Mercury, which makes up approximately 50 percent of the composite, is necessary to bond the metals together and provide a strong, durable filling. Because of this they were the most widely used a few decades ago in dental treatment before resins came into the picture.
It has the facility to harden quickly and the placement time is ideal for use in children’s dental treatment, as well as for people with special needs who may have difficulty remaining immobile during treatment.
However, its main disadvantage is that they lack a natural look and in the process you can get to remove more dental tissue than necessary, in addition to its composition there is a great controversy about its toxicity, although it has not been proven such assertion is not recommended placement of them or have many amalgams.
Main differences between an Amalgam and a Resin
Durability: On average an amalgam lasts between 8 to 10 years. However, they are not fully resistant to natural wear due to chewing and grinding. With the passage of time and the humid environment of the mouth, they expand, therefore they tend to cause fractures or microfractures in the dental pieces. After their ideal lifespan, they cause oxidation and can even “tattoo” the gums with rust. On the other hand, resins will always result more aesthetic and well cared for, they can also increase their durability, due to the fact that the resin does not undergo any type of expansion does not cause fractures of the dental pieces.
Composition: Resins are now preferred because in addition to the aesthetic finish they have a safer composition in terms of toxicity.
Cost: Amalgams are less expensive than a resin, this is due to their lower esthetic finish, since an amalgam cannot imitate the natural colors of the teeth like a resin.
Comfort and Convenience: Resins, due to their natural appearance, can be unnoticeable and because less tooth tissue is lost when preparing the tooth for restoration, teeth restored with resin are less sensitive than those restored with amalgam after treatment.
Some considerations when changing or placing new restorations are the following:
In case of being a restoration replacement the piece below the previous restoration may be decayed when there are misalignments.
There may be a period of hypersensitivity after the treatment.
Now, what we love: The technology.
Nanotechnological resins?
Thanks to nanotechnology, a new composite resin has been developed that is characterized by the presence of nanoparticles in its composition.
They show a high content of charge of approximately 75% in its composition, in this way, it has been possible to increase the resistance and obtain a resin with better handling at the time of working that gives us a result of higher quality and adhesion in the long term.
The resins with nanotechnology have been tested by research groups, and it has been demonstrated that it has the mechanical qualities that a material must have to support masticatory forces successfully, these qualities must be:
- High compressive strength
- High fracture resistance
- High polishing capacity
- Excellent esthetics due to its mimicry with dental tissues.
It is important to keep in mind that not all existing resins have the benefits of nanotechnology.
Regardless of what material restorations you have, as general recommendations make sure you don’t miss your regular dental checkups and make your daily oral health a priority. You should also avoid biting into hard foods or ice to avoid chipping your teeth or restorations.
If you’re interested in a brighter smile, composite dental resin is a great option. Don’t neglect to take care of your other oral needs first, to ensure that your natural smile is healthy inside and out.
At Makeover Dental Studio we perform the most advanced techniques, using the latest materials in nanotechnology composite resins. If you need a restoration of one or more teeth, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to advise you, schedule your evaluation appointment at makeoverdentalstudio@hotmail.com or call us at MX (664)634-2023 / EU (619) 202-0423.