If a child is brought to the dentist with tooth decay in the early stages, he or she may be a good candidate for tooth-colored fillings. Older children who have metal fillings may also be good candidates if they want a dark filling changed to a virtually invisible tooth-colored filling. They are strong fillings that look natural and do not detract from anyone’s smile including children.
What is a Tooth-Colored Filling?
A tooth-colored filling is also called a composite filling. They are a type of dental restoration designed to be inconspicuous. We blend the color to match your teeth so the fillings virtually disappear. Amalgam or metal fillings are also strong have been successfully used for decades, but they appear as dark patches in your teeth and may damage the tooth. Plastic and ceramic compounds are combined to make composite fillings. The material chemically bonds to your teeth and can be used to fill cavities from tooth decay as well as to repair a chipped tooth.
We most often use tooth-colored fillings for treatment on the teeth that are in the front of the mouth that is first seen when you smile. However, the composite compounds are strong enough to use for molars, which need to be stronger than front teeth because they get more wear from chewing.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Composite filling strengthens and restores the tooth, unlike metal fillings that actually weaken the tooth when it expands and contracts from the hot or cold things you eat. Tooth-colored fillings help preserve the teeth, which makes them a good choice for children. When you visit our specialist, your teeth will be examined and the best kind of filling will be recommended. For children or adults, tooth-colored fillings improve the health of your teeth as well as the appearance of your smile.
When we use composite fillings, we may be able to preserve more of the structure of the natural tooth, which is very good for children. The reason for this is because the composite chemically bonds with the tooth. The process for filling a tooth with composite may take a bit longer than with amalgam, but the fact that it saves more of the tooth and that the results are virtually invisible makes it worth the extra time.
Get In Touch with Us for More Information
To learn more about what tooth-colored fillings can do for you, we warmly invite you to reach out and make an appointment with Ashburn Children’s Dentistry. At our convenient location in Ashburn, VA, our caring and dedicated team of professionals will be pleased to explain this option in greater detail and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!
