Gentle, Tooth-Colored Restorations for Children
When tooth structure is eaten away or otherwised damaged by dental decay, cracks or fractures, it can often be repaired by means of the placement of a dental filling. While traditional fillings were typically composed of amalgam, a mixture of different metals, today’s fillings are frequently tooth-colored. These “white fillings” invisibly restore the form and function of the involved tooth so that it seamlessly blends in with the remaining tooth structure. Tooth colored fillings are made of the latest generation of composite resin materials in which filler particles are bound together when set by a hard matrix material. Strong and durable, tooth colored fillings are chemically bonded to fill and rebuild a tooth once the decayed or damaged tooth structure has been removed. First placed as a putty-like material, tooth colored fillings are carefully shaped to restore the contours of a healthy natural tooth and then cured (set) with a light wand. In addition to restoring teeth affected by damage or decay, composite resins can also be used to cosmetically change the size, color or shape of teeth with imperfections or minor alignment issues such as spacing.
Fillings are the primary treatment for:
Removing decayed material and restoring the tooth structure.
Repairing damage from trauma or wear.
In some cases, composite bonding can be used cosmetically to close small gaps.
Restoring baby teeth prevents the premature loss that can lead to more complex spacing and crowding issues.
FAQs
Yes, we use the latest generation of composite resin materials that are completely safe. As an Amalgam-free and BPA-free practice, we prioritize using materials that are both effective and non-toxic for your child’s health.
The placement of a simple filling typically takes about 30-45 minutes. Our team is highly experienced in making the process fast, gentle, and anxiety-free for our young patients.
We exclusively use tooth-colored composite fillings because they look better, require less removal of healthy tooth structure, and avoid the use of metals like mercury found in traditional amalgam, aligning with our commitment to the safest materials for your child.
Composite fillings on baby teeth are very durable and are designed to last until the permanent tooth is ready to naturally erupt. We carefully select the material and technique to ensure longevity and function.