The Cosmetic Benefits of Uniform Color Fillings

Does your child have a cavity that needs to be filled? A pediatric dentist can repair decayed teeth with composite fillings. These tooth-colored fillings can restore your child’s smile while offering the cosmetic benefits of uniform color. This article discusses the various types and colors of dental fillings, when a pediatric dentist may choose one over the other, and the advantages of using natural-looking material to repair cavities.

Types of dental fillings

Composite fillings repair cavities without leaving hard-to-miss silver spots throughout the mouth. A pediatric dentist will often recommend these dental restorations because of how well they blend in with the surrounding teeth; however, there are also instances in which a different type of material may be a better fit. Take a closer look at the various types and colors of fillings below.

Composite fillings

Composite fillings consist of a mix of materials (i.e., they are a composite of materials). The composite resin contains silica, ceramic, powdered glass, and acrylic. Once mixed, these fillings come with the cosmetic benefits of uniform color, such as boosting a child's confidence. Not only can these fillings match the patient's tooth color, but also they can bond well to each tooth.

Ceramic fillings

Ceramic fillings are typically made from porcelain. Their benefits include durability and stain resistance. They also look natural and help maintain a uniform smile, although they tend to be on the pricier side.

Gold fillings

Gold fillings are usually the most expensive. They are often not a practical choice due to how noticeable they are and how much they cost. Additionally, some people have metal allergies and cannot tolerate gold in their mouths.

Silver fillings

Silver, or “amalgam,” fillings are popular because they tend to be cheaper than composite resin and gold fillings. They often last a long time — up to 15 years if cared for properly. Still, many parents do not choose them because they stand out from the rest of the teeth.

Benefits of uniform color fillings

Metal fillings can fix cavities, but they can leave children unhappy with how noticeable they are. Similarly, older patients may dislike silver fillings that are no longer fashionable. Tooth-colored fillings are a solution to these issues. Here are just some of the many restorative and cosmetic benefits of uniform color fillings:

• Fills cavities quickly
• Durable and long-lasting
• Minimal tooth sensitivity
• Easily repaired if damaged
• Blends in easily with natural teeth
• Gives the confidence of a healthy, beautiful smile

It is possible to replace older metal fillings with natural-looking, tooth-colored resin to create a more symmetrical smile. Additionally, parents who have concerns about keeping the tooth's natural shape will likely be pleased with the results achieved from composite or ceramic material.