Have you ever looked in someone’s mouth and been surprised to see bright silver fillings? You may have even noticed them when the individual smiled if the fillings were located towards the front of the mouth. These metallic fillings may have been the traditional option years ago, but today you and your family have a better option in Ashburn, VA that will look natural and will blend in with the rest of the teeth. We’re talking about tooth-colored fillings!
First, you may want to know about the array of tooth filling options available to your child these days. While gold is occasionally used, this is a rather expensive option, as you can imagine. Glass ionomers and ceramics are also used. The metallic-looking fillings that you have seen are most likely traditional amalgam fillings. Amalgam is made up of almost 50 percent mercury. Although the American Dental Association maintains that this is perfectly healthy and will not cause any health problems, many of our patients and their parents express concern with this metal. Amalgam also has silver, tin, copper and zinc in it. While amalgam fillings are strong, they look extremely unnatural and may even cause the surrounding tooth enamel to change colors, making the teeth look less brilliantly white over time.
At our dental office in Ashburn, VA, we are proud to offer composite fillings. These fillings, sometimes called composite resin, are becoming more popular every year because they so perfectly match the look of the teeth. In fact, a good composite filling can be difficult to find except upon close examination of the teeth by a dental professional. Composite is made of a mixture of plastic and other types of particles and comes in a variety of colors to match the teeth perfectly. Composite fillings can be used on any tooth, including those in the front and the back, and are appropriate for fillings of all sizes.
Besides the fact that composite fillings match your child’s teeth, they have several other benefits that may increase your interest in them. After your child’s procedure, they will eventually forget that they even have tooth-colored fillings in their mouth.
At Ashburn Children’s Dentistry, we know how important your child’s smile is. In fact, it is one of the first things that people notice when they meet them. If your child needs a filling, we invite you to call our office in Ashburn, VA to learn more information about tooth-colored fillings. Contact us today to book an appointment for your child.
