Cavities have become so prevalent that around 80 percent of the population now receives at least one filling before the age of 65, and the average adult will have seven fillings put in over their lifetime. While some fillings can be hidden behind the teeth or in the back of the mouth, others must be put in visible locations such as the front of a tooth. For younger children, bright metal fillings aren’t always an ideal solution to cavities. This is why we offer tooth-colored fillings at our office.
A Look at Tooth-Colored Fillings
Over the last few years, tooth-colored fillings have become extremely popular among patients of all ages. Also referred to as white fillings, these small fillings are made from a composite resin that can be stained to look exactly like a natural tooth. Our dentist simply molds the filling over the damaged area of the tooth and then uses a specialty light to harden the resin. Depending on the size of the area that is being repaired and what type of damage has taken place, white fillings typically restore between 85 and 90 percent of the tooth’s natural strength.
The Benefits of White Fillings
There are quite a few different reasons why growing children might choose resin fillings over metal fillings. During their formative years, children are often very concerned about the appearance of their teeth. Metal fillings can be quite effective, but they are also extremely visible once in the mouth. Children who have metal fillings put in place often feel the need to hide their teeth whenever they are smiling or having their picture taken.
Another amazing benefit of resin fillings is that they aren’t as sensitive as metal fillings. Whenever metal fillings come into contact with metal utensils, many patients feel a “sharp” sensation. Once the resin is in place, most patients completely forget they are there. Within just a few hours of the appointment, your child will once again be able to eat, speak and smile with confidence.
The Procedure
The process of putting in tooth-colored fillings is actually quite simple. After the outer enamel has been cleaned, our dentist will then take a small piece of resin and mold it over the tooth. As the resin hardens, it can be shaped to match the exact size of the natural tooth. The specialty light that is used to cure the resin allows us to carry out this entire procedure in an hour or less in most cases.
What Can Be Treated?
Resin fillings can be used to treat many different oral health issues, including cosmetic blemishes. In addition to cavities, many patients also use tooth-colored fillings to minimize gaps between their teeth or make sure their teeth are a uniform size. For active children who have recently chipped or cracked their teeth, this powerful resin can be used to protect the enamel from further damage. If the resin ever becomes damaged, you can easily schedule another appointment to have the filling repaired.
We proudly provide tooth-colored fillings for children of all ages at Ashburn Children’s Dentistry. Contact our office to schedule a consultation for your child and learn more about this popular treatment option.
