A parent’s primary duty involves maintaining the healthy state of their child’s smile. Childhood dental cavities produce anxiety in parents due to their confusion about effective restorative procedures particularly when using dental fillers. Pediatric dental fillers aren’t one-size-fits-all. Parents require knowledge about pediatric filler types with their respective pros and cons to make proper dental decisions for their children.
Whether you are visiting Glow Pediatric Dental for a regular check-up or consulting a kids dentist Langley about a cavity, understanding filler materials can help ease the nerves—both yours and your child’s. Different dental fillers used for children require examination of their durability and visual outcomes.
Tooth-colored composite fillings
These days, children usually use composite resin fillings. Composed of a potent combination of plastic and small glass particles, these fillings resemble the natural colour of your kid’s teeth. This means no metallic sheen or direct evidence of dental work, just a clean, organic appearance.
Benefit
- Visually looks pleasing
- Attaches directly to the tooth
- Less drilling is needed than with some other kinds
Drawbacks
- It may wear faster in high-stress locations (like molars)
- Slightly more costly than other options
Family members who value looks and function can often find composite fillings a good selection for front and back teeth.
Silver amalgam fillings
Dentists have been using silver amalgam for more than a century. These substances combine metals, including silver, mercury, tin, and copper. It is powerful and frequently used to fill cavities in rear teeth, where chewing forces are highest.
Benefits
- Very robust and long-running
- Usually less expensive
- Fast and simple to put
Drawback
- The silver colour is quite evident
- Contains mercury [even though dental association’s regard as safe]
- Requires more removal of healthy tooth structure to place
Although not the most visually appealing, amalgam is a workhorse that can last for years, especially in hard-to-see spots.
Glass ionomer fillers
Acrylic, a particular kind of glass that releases fluoride, is the blend used in glass ionomer fillings; fluoride helps to defend the tooth against further decay. Typically, these are found in highly young children or baby teeth that will eventually drop.
Benefits
- Releases fluoride for extra protection
- Strongly bonds to dental enamel
- Fast application—excellent for little ones unable to stay still
Drawback
- It is not as hardy or long-lasting as amalgam or composite materials
- Looks less natural
Glass ionomer is often chosen when the dentist wants to protect the tooth while also keeping the procedure simple and kid-friendly.
Ceramic filling
Furthermore, ceramic (or porcelain) fillings are hard, stain-resistant, and imitate the natural look of teeth even better than nearly all other kinds. Usually, they are employed for more substantial fillings or if appearances are a significant worry.
Benefits
- Looks very natural
- Stain resistant
- Long-lasting
Drawback
- More costly
- May need more than a single visit to the orthodontic
Ceramic fillings are less common for youngsters because of the cost and complexity involved.
Conclusion
Parental duty demands you to preserve optimal dental health for your child. Cavities that frequently affect children create anxiety because parents need to make treatment choices, especially regarding filling procedures. Pediatric dental fillers aren’t one-size-fits-all. Understanding the various types of fillers will enable you to make better decisions about your child’s dental care.
