Firoozabadi Medical Education Center

Cost of Dental Composite

If you are looking for a solution to improve the appearance of your teeth and enhance your smile, one of the available options could be dental composite. Therefore, you might wonder if dental composite is the right solution for you and if it is worth the investment. In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about the cost of dental composite, its types, and benefits. By the end of this article, you will understand whether choosing dental composite is a reasonable and suitable option for the health and beauty of your teeth.

Understanding Dental Composite

Dental composite is known as a cosmetic treatment that can repair damage and gaps in your teeth. You can also use dental composite to change the color of your teeth. Dental composite is a material that is bonded to your natural teeth to restore and reshape their original appearance. Since the color of dental composite can be changed and selected, you can choose a natural color that closely resembles your natural teeth, making the repair look completely natural as if it is a part of your teeth.

Types of Dental Composite

There are different types of dental composite based on particle size, color, installation method, etc. Here are some of the types:

Particle Size of Materials

The size of the particles used in making the dental composite is very important. Composites made from small particles provide better shaping and a more natural appearance. In contrast, composites made from large particles are more durable and stronger. Depending on the quality and sensitivity of the teeth, the dentist decides to use either small or large particle composites. The types include:

• Nanocomposite
• Macrofill Composite
• Microfill Composite
• Bulk or Bulk Veneer Composite
• Hybrid, Microhybrid, and Nanohybrid Composite

Installation Method

• Direct Method: The treatment process is completed in one day, typically used for filling small gaps between teeth without needing molds.
• Indirect Method: Requires taking molds of the teeth to prepare the veneers, taking more time compared to the direct method. More extensive adjustments can be made to the tooth shape in this method.

Composite Materials

Made from a mix of high-quality polymer resin, quartz, lithium aluminum silicate, borosilicate glass, etc. These materials come in a wide range of colors to suit individual preferences.

Composite Brand

The brand of the composite significantly affects its price and quality. American and Japanese brands like Bisco, COLTENE, DMG AMERICA, and Tokuyama Dental American are considered the best.

Uses of Composite

• Universal Composite: For surface treatments and not used for deep damage or when there is insufficient enamel.
• Flowable Composite: For filling teeth not subjected to high pressure but can also be used for filling gaps and lines in high-pressure areas due to their high viscosity.
• Packable Composite: For repairing posterior teeth, known for their high cohesion and adhesion.

Strength of Composite

Composites are classified based on their strength into:

• Flowable: Characterized by flexibility and ease of application.
• Condensable: Known for their strength and durability.

Installation Location

• Anterior Composite: For front teeth.
• Posterior Composite: For back teeth.
• Universal Composite: Suitable for both anterior and posterior teeth.
• Self-cure Composite: Hardens naturally over time without laser light.
• Orthodontic Composite: Suitable for filling small gaps between teeth.

Color of Composite

Composite colors are available in various grades, with some having yellow, brown, red, or gray shades. The choice of composite color depends on patient preference, eye color, skin tone, and natural tooth color.

Benefits of Dental Composite

The benefits of dental composite lie in improving the appearance of teeth and enhancing your smile. You can use dental composite to correct misaligned teeth, wear, fractures, improper shape, or unsuitable color. This treatment has no side effects and can be implemented quickly without needing to trim your teeth. Moreover, you can remove the composite veneers later and retain your natural teeth.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Dental Composite

All the factors mentioned in the types of dental composite can influence the cost. The price varies based on the quality of composite materials, brand, installation method, dentist's experience, clinic costs, additional costs like filling teeth before the composite, and market price fluctuations.

Saving on the Cost of Dental Composite

Using health insurance can help reduce the cost of dental composite. Depending on the type of insurance coverage, part of the treatment costs will be covered by the respective insurance.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an affordable and practical option to improve the appearance of your teeth, dental composite, with a lifespan of 5 to 8 years, can be a suitable choice. Make sure to maintain good oral hygiene for longer durability of the composites. Finally, for accurate information about the cost of dental composite, consult a specialized dentist and provide them with your insurance details to get a precise estimate of the treatment costs.