A pediatric dentist will use white fillings for kids to achieve two things simultaneously. They will use a tooth-colored filling to fill a cavity or fracture while maintaining the tooth's natural color. Like most tooth-colored dental restorations, white fillings have both cosmetic and corrective benefits.
If you are wondering whether a white filling is a good fit for your kid, keep reading to learn more about this dental treatment.
A dental filling is a semi-solid material with the texture and consistency of putty. A dentist will mix this putty just before they apply it to their patient’s teeth. This allows them to create a filling with a shade of white that most closely matches the color of the child’s teeth.
The most affordable and most common type of white filling is composite resin. This is an acrylic compound that closely resembles plastic. Another type of tooth-colored filling is glass ionomer, a substance that is a blend of silicon and an acrylic compound. It resembles ceramic in its look, texture, and translucency.
Sometimes, a dentist will blend these two types of filling to make a hybrid that splits the difference in terms of cost. Here are some questions to ask a pediatric dental specialist about the uses and benefits of tooth-colored fillings:
The white filling material is customizable, meaning that the dentist can blend it into a shade of white that matches a patient’s teeth. Other benefits of composite resin and glass ionomer are:
No. Metal fillings are more rigid and more durable than white ones. They are suitable for molars, which deal with the constant crushing forces of chewing and grinding.
For front teeth, the parent and child have to make a tradeoff between aesthetics and durability. Many patients end up choosing the esthetics of white fillings over the toughness of metal ones.
Severe decay weakens the tooth's outer structure, and direct fillings are inadequate reinforcement for such teeth. A dentist may recommend a different type of restoration instead. They may recommend a tooth-colored crown or partial crown.
If your child has a cavity in need of dental filling, we encourage you to contact our dental office today to schedule an appointment. Our pediatric dental specialist will be happy to answer your questions about white fillings for kids.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Composite Fillings in Richmond, TX.
It is common for children to need fillings, but it is also reasonable for parents to wonder whether dental fillings for kids are safe. These replace decayed tooth material to keep the teeth strong, and they are an essential part of oral healthcare, even though the child will eventually lose their milk teeth.The good news…
Dental fillings for kids can help your child achieve better dental health. Studies show that children are prone to dental decay. Cavities tend to form because of their love for carbohydrate-rich foods or drinks. Understanding dental fillings can help prepare you and your child for treatment day. Here are the different procedures and types of…
As dental professionals, we often receive questions about dental fillings for kids. We are glad to answer because caregivers who have more information about dental procedures are in a position to make better oral care decisions for their children. This guide answers a few of the most common questions that parents and guardians have.Here are…
Getting dental fillings for kids is a basic dental procedure. For most people, it causes minimal discomfort. Adults often resume normal activities immediately after the treatment. However, children may need a little more time before they feel back to normal. You have to provide them with more care, especially if this is their first filling…
Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day — once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different? This article will explore why…
Everyone learns oral hygiene basics when young, but some details get lost over time. When the time comes, many parents need clarification about what type of toothbrush is best for children. This simple tool comes in many different forms, including a variety of sizes and bristle textures. You may wonder why there are so many…