What Are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Did you know that tooth decay affects more than half of children over age six? If not treated, cavities can progress and lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss. At Dentistry for Children, we proudly offer tooth-colored fillings to prevent further complications while enhancing your child’s smile. You can always count on Dr. Halum and our dedicated team for exceptional, compassionate care.
What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composites or white fillings, are made from a composite resin material known for its durability, resilience, and, most importantly, its ability to be closely matched to the color of your child’s natural teeth. Unlike metal fillings that can leave your child flashing a silver smile, tooth-colored fillings are practically indistinguishable from natural tooth enamel, delivering seamless results.
At Dentistry for Children, we are an amalgam-free office – we will never offer silver fillings. We only use BPA-free white filling materials to repair decayed baby or permanent teeth to ensure the safest possible care for your child. We invest in the highest quality filling materials, offering composites with only a 12-second cure time.
Modern and Effective Tooth Restoration
Tooth-colored fillings first made an appearance in the 1960s. The initial versions provided a welcome alternative for repairing teeth visible when a patient smiled, offering an aesthetic alternative to traditional amalgam fillings. However, they were not suited for repairing the molars, which endured significant chewing pressure.
The composite resin filling material has been reinvented and improved upon significantly in recent years, with today’s restorations offering an excellent solution for repairing cavities on all teeth, even the back teeth. Modern white fillings can restore the health and strength of an affected tooth while ensuring your child maintains a seamless smile.
What Are the Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings offer numerous benefits, including the following:
- They Are Aesthetically Pleasing: One of the most significant advantages of tooth-colored fillings is how natural they look. We can easily match the composite resin material to your child’s tooth enamel, making the restoration virtually unnoticeable – no more having to worry about silver fillings showing when your child smiles!
- They Are Conservative: When preparing a tooth for cavity repair, composite fillings require less tooth structure removal than traditional amalgam fillings. The conservative restorative dentistry solution preserves more of the tooth structure, enhancing its strength, integrity, and long-term health.
- They Bond to the Tooth Structure: White fillings bond directly to a tooth’s natural structure, providing a perfect seal. That helps lower the risk of leakage and strengthens the affected tooth, reducing the risk of further damage or decay under the filling.
- They Do Not React to Temperature Changes: Unlike silver fillings that expand and contract, tooth-colored fillings are resistant to temperature changes. That makes dental problems like cracks or fractures less likely to occur.
- They Are Mercury-Free: While studies have shown that the mercury in amalgam is not dangerous, many parents continue to have safety concerns. Tooth-colored fillings are made from a non-toxic, BPA-free acrylic resin reinforced with a powdered glass filler, making them ideal for young patients with mercury or metal allergies.
- They Are Durable: Today’s modern composite fillings offer an effective and incredibly durable tooth restoration solution. With proper care and maintenance, a tooth-colored restoration will enhance your child’s smile for many years to come.
- They Encourage Good Dental Hygiene: The process of repairing a tooth with a white filling can be an educational experience for your child. It provides our kid-friendly team at Dentistry for Children with an opportunity to talk to your little one about the importance of good oral hygiene practices and motivate them to take better care of their smiles.
What Is the Tooth-Colored Filling Application Process?
The white fillings process is quick and straightforward. Dr. Halum will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and thoroughly clean the area in preparation for placing the filling. Next, he will apply the tooth-colored filling in the prepared space and carefully shape it to match the contours of your child’s tooth.
Dr. Halum will use a special light to cure and harden the filling material, bonding it to the tooth structure. The last step is trimming the filling material and polishing it to create a smooth, natural-looking surface, restoring the tooth’s natural appearance and function.
How Can You Care for Tooth-Colored Fillings?
The following are tips to ensure the longevity of the tooth-colored filling and to maintain your little one’s healthy smile:
- Encourage Regular Brushing and Flossing: Teach your child to brush at least twice a day and floss daily. Make sure your little one uses a soft-bristled toothbrush and an age-appropriate amount of toothpaste.
- Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Foods that are particularly hard or sticky can fracture or damage your child’s tooth-colored fillings as well as the natural tooth enamel. Encourage more smile-friendly food choices to protect your child’s teeth and restorations.
- Wear a Sports Mouthguard: If your child participates in high-impact or contact sports, we highly recommend wearing a custom sports mouthguard. Not only will a mouthguard protect the white fillings, but it will also lower the risk of sports-related dental injuries, safeguarding your child’s smile.
- Regular Dental Visits: Make sure you keep up with routine dental exams and cleanings to allow us to monitor your child’s oral health and dental restorations. Regular preventive dental care will also lower the risk of further decay and ensure we address any new problems as they develop.
Tooth-Colored Fillings Near Me in Highland, IN
If your little one has a painful or decayed tooth, our team at Dentistry for Children is here to help. Dr. Halum may recommend a tooth-colored filling to restore your child’s healthy smile with beautifully natural-looking results. Our compassionate team will ensure your child’s experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We invite you to call our office at 219-924-5437 to schedule an appointment or use our online form to request one today!