Traditional dental fillings, like gold, porcelain, and composite, offer strength and resilience, especially where teeth endure the high pressures of chewing.
Modern fillings, such as ceramic and composite resins, resemble natural teeth. They’re ideal for front teeth requiring a natural look but can also be suitable for back teeth, depending on the decay’s location and extent.
Choosing the Best for Your Child
The effectiveness and lifespan of dental restorations depend on:
- Filling materials
- Remaining tooth structure
- Placement of the filling
- Chewing pressures on the tooth
- Number of visits for tooth preparation and adjustment
Before starting treatment, your doctor will discuss the options to determine the most appropriate filling for your child. Fillings are typically categorized as direct or indirect.
Direct Fillings: These are applied in a single session. Types include glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and composite fillings. After tooth preparation, the filling is placed and adjusted.
Indirect Fillings: These typically require multiple visits and encompass inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns, and bridges made from various materials. Initially, the tooth is prepared, an impression taken, and a temporary cover is placed. This impression guides a dental lab in crafting the restoration. This custom-made filling is fitted and set in place during the subsequent visit.