Whiter Shades of Pale - White Fillings

What is a composite resin (white filling)?

A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide)
Introduced in the 1960s, dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth
Since then, composites have improved and can be successfully placed in the back teeth as well
Composites are not only used for restoring decay, but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth

How is a composite placed?

Following preparation, the dentist places the composite in layers, using a light specialized to harden each layer
When the process is finished, the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth
The dentist then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear

How long does it take to place a composite?

A composite is more difficult to place than a silver filling, so it takes the dentist about 10-20 minutes longer to place
Placement time depends on the size and location of the cavity

What is the cost?

Prices vary, but composites average about one-and-a-half to two times the price of a silver filling
Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of the composite up to the price of a silver filling, with the patient paying the difference
As composites continue to improve, insurance companies are more likely to cover the cost of composites

What are the advantages of composites?

Esthetics is the main advantage, since dentists can blend shades to create a color nearly identical to that of the actual tooth
Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes

What are the disadvantages?

Along with the higher cost and the extra placement time, the patient can experience post-operative sensitivity
Also, the shade of the composite can change slightly if the patient drinks tea, coffee or other staining food
The dentist can put a clear plastic coating over the composite to prevent the color from changing if a patient is particularly concerned about tooth color
Another drawback: composites tend to wear out sooner than silver fillings in larger cavities, although they hold up as well in small cavities

How long will a composite last?

Studies have shown that composites last 7-10 years
Comparable to silver fillings except in very large restorations, where silver fillings last much longer

Reprinted with permission from the Academy of General Dentistry

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Health Tip:

Packing Bag Lunches Safely

If you pack lunches for your child to take to school, be careful that you do not accidentally expose them to foodborne illness.

Bagged lunches, especially those containing perishable foods, need to be packed and handled properly in order to keep the food safe. In general, perishable foods should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. If left out too long, the temperature of the food can enter the danger zone where bacteria grow most rapidly, which is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Below are some tips to help families pack bagged lunches safely:

Pack foods that are nonperishable and won't require refrigeration.
If you do pack perishable foods such as luncheon meats or prepackaged cheese and crackers, include a frozen gel pack or a frozen juice carton with the food in an insulated lunch bag or box.
Pack only the amount of perishable food that your child can eat at lunch.
Preparing lunches the night before and storing them in the refrigerator until you pack your child's lunchbox in the morning can help keep food cold longer the next day.
Don't reuse packaging materials such as paper or plastic bags, aluminum foil, etc. as they can contaminate other foods and cause foodborne illness. Have your child discard all used food packaging and paper bags after lunch.

Before eating lunch or snacks at school, make sure your child washes his or her hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If your child's school does not have a handwashing program in place, encourage them to adopt a such a program, as handwashing is one of the best ways kids and parents can protect health and stop the spread of germs.