Learn about cosmetic light-cured fillings and what are their main components?

Light Cosmetic Fillings, you may have some information about cosmetic tooth fillings, but have you heard of light fillings and what are their benefits? In the following paragraphs, we will shed light on the components of light fillings, how they are installed, their advantages and disadvantages, so follow us in this article to answer all the questions that bother you.

Cosmetic Light Fillings

Getting a radiant smile and an attractive appearance for the mouth and teeth is the goal and primary requirement of most people, so everyone has been striving to learn about everything new in the world of teeth beautification and procedures that help solve many problems. With the many developments, what is known as light tooth fillings emerged, which we will get to know in more detail in the following paragraphs.

“Learn about cosmetic light tooth fillings only through The Dental Center.

What are Light Tooth Fillings?

Light tooth fillings, also known as laser or composite fillings, are a filling material made of soft plastic and glass, and there are two types: direct filling and indirect filling.

The idea of their work is based on shining a light beam from laser rays on the material used in filling the teeth, and this leads to the bonding of the molecules with each other better and with the teeth as well, which in turn works to increase the stability of the filling and reduce the chances of it falling out.

Light fillings are used to treat cavities, especially in the front parts of the teeth, as well as some problems related to teeth such as irregular tooth shape, or the presence of gaps between the front teeth, and preserving them from breaking because they give the teeth the required strength, toughness and hardness.

If you want to learn more about laser fillings or cosmetic composite fillings, read with us this article.

The Difference Between Light Tooth Fillings and Traditional Fillings

Traditional fillings are made from a mixture of materials such as silver, tin, zinc, copper and mercury, and are called amalgam or gray fillings. One of their main advantages is their great hardness, strength and durability, making them a suitable option for filling back teeth, unlike light fillings, which are prone to breaking and eroding easily.

Traditional fillings last for long periods of more than 10 years and are considered the least expensive type of fillings, but they have some drawbacks, including the following:

• Their color differs from the color of natural teeth, making them an unsuitable option for many people.
• They do not adhere to the teeth completely.
• Some people suffer from sensitivity to mercury.
• The dentist has to remove a large part of the tooth and make a cavity to place the filling.

Light Fillings are Composed of

Light fillings consist of three main components:

• Resin mixture
• A group of particles that reflect light, giving the teeth a shiny and attractive appearance, including quartz, glass and silica
• Materials that act as a bond between the resin mixture and silica or other materials

How to Install Light Tooth Fillings

The installation of light tooth fillings is done through a series of steps that we will get to know as follows:

• The dentist starts by numbing the nerve canal of the tooth that he wants to fill and the surrounding area in order to avoid feeling any pain, and this is done through the use of local anesthesia or a numbing spray.
• Then he cleans the decayed area of the tooth and gets rid of any residue or deposits attached to it, either by using a dedicated laser device or by using a regular drilling device.
• The dentist works to isolate the tooth or the tooth he wants to fill from saliva reaching it to ensure proper sterilization.
• Then he places the filling material in layers, not as a single mass, to look the same as natural teeth.
• After the filling dries, any excess protrusions on the outer surface of the tooth are removed, and it is polished using a laser.

People Eligible for Light Filling

There are some cases that are eligible for cosmetic filling, and it is considered the best option, such as:

• People with tooth decay, especially in the front teeth
• A person who suffers from gaps between teeth or an irregular tooth shape
• A patient who complains of mild or moderate cavities without reaching the nerve or affecting a large area of the teeth.

Advantages of Light Tooth Fillings

There is no doubt that light fillings have many features that make them an excellent option in many cases, and among these benefits are the following points:

• They give a natural and beautiful appearance to the teeth because they come in various colors, shades and densities that suit a large number of people.
• They are considered an ideal option for filling front teeth and solving their problems because they resemble the color of natural teeth, making them the preferred choice for many people.
• They play a significant role in helping to strengthen tooth enamel because they consist of materials that chemically bond with the teeth, making them strong and stable.
• They are used to treat tooth deformities such as gaps and cavities in the front teeth and broken teeth.
• Their cost is low compared to other tooth fillings such as gold and silver fillings.
• Their application is easy and simple, as the dentist does not need to remove the tooth crown as is the case with silver and gold fillings, but only removes a very thin layer to allow for the placement of the filling.

Disadvantages of Light Tooth Fillings

Despite the many advantages mentioned above, like any type, there must be some drawbacks, including the following:

• Light fillings are not a suitable option in cases of deep cavities near the nerve, as the chemical materials in the filling material can cause inflammation and sensitivity in the nerve, resulting in severe, intolerable pain.
• Light fillings are not suitable for filling large cavities and wide areas of the teeth because this can cause them to separate from the teeth and may lead to new cavities forming underneath.
• They may cause tooth sensitivity, which occurs immediately after installation.
• One of the major disadvantages of light fillings is that their color changes easily, and in this case, you need to make frequent visits to the dentist for cleaning sessions, temporary fillings and sterilization.

Some Problems That May Occur After Getting Tooth Fillings

• The patient may experience pain after the anesthetic wears off, which is perfectly normal and lasts for a day or two before disappearing. However, if the pain persists for longer than that, the patient should visit the dentist for consultation, as the tooth may need treatment or further polishing.
• There is a possibility of erosion in the filling and some parts of it falling out due to continuous and repeated friction with the teeth.
• Swelling and inflammation in the gums may occur due to the chemical materials in the filling or poor sterilization. In all cases, it is necessary to visit the dentist to choose the best treatment option.

What is the Cost of a Cosmetic Filling?

The cost of a light cosmetic filling varies depending on several factors that affect its pricing, including the following:

• The quality and effectiveness of the materials used in the filling
• The skill, competence and experience of the dentist, and their adherence to cleanliness and sterilization
• The extent of decay and damage to the teeth
• The location of the teeth being filled, whether front or back

In addition, the cost varies from one place to another, and we find that here in Egypt, the cost ranges from 240 to 400 Egyptian pounds for a single tooth, but this is not a fixed figure for sure.

How to Choose the Best Dentist for Light Tooth Fillings

Choosing the right dentist is the most important and first step towards achieving good results for the filling, and there are some things that must be considered when choosing the dentist, including the following:

• The dentist has a wide reputation in this specialty and has many years of experience in the field of dentistry and dental surgery, particularly laser cosmetics.
• The dentist holds a number of professional and training certificates in the field of laser cosmetics.
• The dentist follows modern techniques in infection control and quality management.
• The dentist is interested in everything new and advanced in this field and uses medical devices for sterilizing and cleaning tools.
• The dentist is known for their skill in their work, and previous clients and patients attest to this.

If you want to learn about a group of the best and most skilled doctors in this field, who have decades of experience in dentistry and dental surgery, as well as laser cosmetic procedures, contact The Dental Center through this link.

Maintaining the Light Filling

There are some instructions that must be followed after getting the light filling in order to maintain it, including the following:

• Paying attention to dental and oral hygiene by brushing teeth daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste, and using dental floss in areas that the toothbrush cannot reach, especially around the filling area if it is on the tooth edge.
• Avoiding very cold and very hot foods and beverages.
• Staying away from consuming sticky foods in large amounts, especially in the days following the filling procedure, to prevent them from sticking to the filling.

Does the Color of the Light Filling Change?

Yes, it has been proven that the color of the light filling changes easily after installation, which requires regular follow-up with the dentist and periodic visits for teeth cleaning sessions, temporary fillings and sterilization.

It was found that the color changes over time due to the effects of smoking or consuming certain foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, caffeinated drinks and colored drinks, which can have an adverse effect on the color of the filling.

It is also possible that the dentist who performed the filling was inexperienced, leaving a gap between the tooth and the filling, which can lead to the accumulation of food residues inside it and the formation of stains that affect the color of the filling and cause it to change significantly.

Therefore, it is best to brush your teeth with the appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste three times a day, use dental floss in areas that the toothbrush cannot reach to protect the teeth, avoid colored beverages, reduce caffeine intake, and quit smoking as the best solution.

Some Questions to Ask the Dentist Before Getting Light Tooth Fillings

There are some questions that the patient can ask the dentist before getting light tooth fillings:

• Are light tooth fillings the best option for the patient or not?
• Will the patient experience pain during or after the filling?
• How many sessions will the patient need to complete the filling procedure?
• Is it possible for the patient to be sensitive to laser rays?
• To what extent does the light filling conflict with the patient’s chronic diseases?
• What is the cost of the light filling?
• What are the side effects of light tooth fillings?
• Will the patient need to take any specific medications after getting the light filling?

The Dental Center offers you many excellent services provided by a distinguished team of doctors.