Because the teeth that appear in your mouth when you smile are the front teeth, they will directly affect your self-confidence. However, people with cavities, fractures, or cracks in their front teeth tend to close their mouth in any way while smiling.
If you have such a problem, you no longer need to worry. Because we will explain the front tooth filling procedure that will address the issues with your front teeth. Additionally, you will find comprehensive information in this article about the materials used for teeth filling front teeth, how the tooth filling on front tooth procedure is performed, and the benefits of front tooth filling.
What is filling for front teeth?
Filling for front teeth is an application that gives the teeth an aesthetic appearance by repairing tooth decay, cracks, fractures, or deformations in the enamel layer of the tooth with dental filling material in the appearance of natural tooth color.
With dental filling front teeth, your teeth will look as if they have never been decayed before when front tooth cavity filling is applied after the decays in your teeth are cleaned. With front fillings, you will enjoy the pleasure of smiling comfortably.
Who is the filling for front teeth applied to?
The application known as front fillings or tooth filling on front tooth can be applied to individuals with dental problems such as:
- Fractures or cracks in the front teeth
- cavites on the front teeth
- Dental deformities of the front teeth
- Gaps between front teeth
- Discoloration of the front teeth
- Filling change in front teeth
What are the types of dental fillings for front teeth?
The dental filling materials used for the front teeth determine the type of dental filling procedure to be performed. Commonly preferred types of dental fillings for front teeth are as follows:
Composite filling in front teeth:
Composite is a dental filling material that is natural tooth-colored and made from acrylic resin and powder glass-like particles. Composite dental filling material hardens on its own or its hardness increases further when exposed to blue light. Composite dental fillings are highly durable, making them a preferred choice for repairing or partially replacing broken or cracked front teeth, as well as for repairing mild to moderate tooth decay. There are two types of composite filling applications.
Direct composite filling in front teeth aplication:
Composite filling in front teeth application is preferred when filling smaller areas. In direct composite filling in front teeth application, the dentist performs a physical examination of the patient and determines the condition of the teeth with some radiological imaging methods. The dentist cleans the tooth or teeth to be treated from decay and makes them ready for filling. The dentist then applies the composite dental filling.
Indirect composite filling in front teeth application:
In indirect composite filling in front teeth application, the dentist takes dental impressions of the patient in the first session, and the dental filling is prepared in the laboratory according to these impressions. The filling is then applied to the patient in the second session.
Advantages of composite filling in front teeth:
- Requires minimal preparation.
- Resistant to fracture
- Usually protects a large part of the tooth.
- Low risk of tooth leakage when bonded over the enamel layer of the tooth.
- Resistant to abrasion.
- Generally good resistance to bite force.
- Moderately resistant to further decay.
- Low need for repair or replacement.
- Fillings are usually completed in one session.
- Provides aesthetic appearance on the tooth.
Disadvantages of composite filling in front teeth:
- The placement of a composite filling may take more time than other dental fillings.
- In very rare cases, localized, allergic reactions such as inflammation or rash may occur.
- When used in front teeth filling, the staining rate of composite filling is faster than that of ceramic and porcelain fillings.
Porcelain filling on front teeth:
Porcelain dental fillings are reinforced composites that contain a mixture of minerals such as feldspar, quartz, and kaolin and are the natural color of teeth. They are used to restore teeth to their normal size and function in cases of more extensive tooth damage or advanced tooth decay. Porcelain dental filling material is specially prepared in the laboratory. There are three types of porcelain dental filling applications depending on the area of the tooth they cover:
Inlay porcelain tooth filling:
It is performed in cases where the crown of the tooth is not lost.
Onlay porcelain tooth filling:
It is applied in cases where the tissue loss in the tooth progresses towards the tooth crests.
Overlay porcelain tooth filling:
It is applied when the entire chewing surface of the tooth needs to be covered with porcelain. It can be preferred for the front teeth that need to be treated due to cracks or abrasion in patients with teeth-clenching problems.
How is porcelain filling for front teeth applied?
Porcelain fillings for front teeth are applied in two sessions. The first session involves removing and cleaning the cavities in the tooth or teeth that require fillings. If significant tooth damage necessitates a filling, the dentist cleans and prepares the damaged tooth for the filling. The dentist measures the front teeth that require filling.
The dentist then fills the gaps in the patient's front teeth with a temporary filling and determines the color of the permanent filling. The laboratory begins producing a permanent filling based on the measurements of the patient's front teeth.
In the second session, the dentist removes the temporary fillings from the front teeth from the previous session and places the porcelain fillings prepared in the dental laboratory. The dentist checks the height and intraoral fit of the fillings placed on the front teeth. Various tests determine whether the fillings in the front teeth affect the ability to speak and chew. If everything goes well, the procedure is completed.
Advantages of porcelain filling for front teeth:
- It is a fast and practical application.
- It has a natural appearance. It is more flexible than other fillings and maintains visual harmony in the mouth.
- It is more durable and long-lasting than composite fillings.
- can be repolished.
- Tea, coffee, and cigarettes do not change the colour of porcelain fillings.
- Easy to maintain.
Disadvantages of porcelain filling for front teeth?
- High price
- Requiring 2 sessions for application.
Glass ionomer filling on front teeth:
Glass ionomers are tooth-colored dental filling materials made from a mixture of acrylic acids and fine glass powders. They are used for small fillings in areas that do not require resistance to heavy chewing pressure or specifically to fill cavities on the root surfaces of teeth. It can be preferred for front teeth with such problems.
Advantages of ionomer filling on front teeth:
- Tooth-coloured for a natural look
- Biocompatible
- Contains fluoride, which can help prevent further decay.
- The minimum amount of tooth structure is removed;
- Allergic reaction is unlikely.
- It is usually completed in one session.
Disadvantages of Glass ionomer filling on front teeth:
- Does not have high resistance to breakage
- Medium cost.
- The material may become rough when used for too long.
- It may become dislodged.
Resin ionomer filling on front teeth:
Resin ionomer is a glass dental filling containing acrylic acids and acrylic resin. They harden when exposed to blue light. Resin ionomers are most commonly used for fillings on the non-chewing surfaces of the front teeth and for fillings in primary (baby) teeth.
Advantages of resin ionomer filling on front teeth:
- It is usually completed in one session.
- Biocompatible
- A minimal amount of tooth structure is removed for insertion.
- It is tooth-coloured and more translucent than glass ionomer.
- It contains fluoride, which can help prevent further decay.
- It lasts longer than glass ionomer but is not as durable as composite
Disadvantages resin ionomer filling on front teeth:
- Tends to crack under biting force
- High cost.
Amalgam filling on front teeth:
Amalgam is a dental filling material produced from a mixture of two or more metals, with mercury being one of the components. Dental amalgam is obtained by mixing approximately 43% to 54% mercury with other metals, including silver, copper, and tin.
Amalgam dental fillings are often referred to as "silver fillings" because they are silver in color when first placed. It is one of the oldest filling materials and has been used for over 150 years. Amalgam dental filling is the most extensively researched and tested dental filling material. It can be preferred on the back surfaces of the front teeth. It may not be suitable for smile design on the front surfaces of the front teeth.
Advantages of amalgam filling on front teeth:
- Can be placed in a single session.
- High resistance to further decay.
- Strong, durable, and withstands bite force.
- Resistant to leakage into the tooth
- Low frequency of repair and replacement.
- It is the cheapest filling material.
Disadvantages of amalgam filling on front teeth:
- Amalgam may darken over time as it wears away.
- In rare cases, a localised, allergic reaction such as inflammation or a rash may occur.
- It may not be ideal for designing a natural-looking smile.
Gold alloy filling on front teeth:
Gold alloy dental filling material contains gold, copper, and other metals. They are used for many different purposes in dentistry. It can also be used in front teeth according to the special preferences of some patients.
Advantages of gold alloys filling on front teeth:
- A minimal amount of tooth structure removal is required.
- Resistant to corrosion and tarnishing
- Resistant to leakage as it can be moulded and fits very accurately
- Excellent durability; does not crack under stress.
- Good resistance to rotting.
Disadvantages of gold alloys filling on front teeth:
- The application requires at least two sessions
- It is not the colour of natural teeth.
- Gold is normally the most costly material.
- In rare cases, a localised allergic reaction such as inflammation or a rash may occur.
Hybrid filling on front teeth:
Hybrid filling on front teeth dental filling materials; a combination of composite resin and glass ionomer materials. Depending on the procedure to be performed on the front teeth, if it is necessary to benefit from both the aesthetic advantages of composite resin and the fluoride release properties of glass ionomer, it can be preferred.
Which type of filling material should I choose for filling on front teeth?
For the selection of the filling material to be used for your front teeth, your doctor will first examine the condition of your tooth or teeth. For this, your dentist will determine your condition through a physical examination and some radiological imaging methods. Depending on the condition of your front teeth and the extent of the procedure to be performed on the teeth, your dentist will recommend dental filling material. You should consider the following criteria to make your decision:
Durability:
Front teeth need to have a certain durability to perform biting and cutting functions. Therefore, you should have an idea of how long the dental filling material you choose for your front teeth will last. If you have aesthetic concerns, you can choose composite or porcelain fillings for your front teeth. Porcelain fillings are generally more durable than composite resins.
Biocompatibility:
The dental filling you choose for your front teeth should be made of biocompatible material that minimises the risk of allergies or irritation.
Natural appearance and aesthetic compatibility
If aesthetic appearance is more important to you and you want the dental filling materials used in your front teeth not to disrupt your natural appearance, materials like composite resin can match the color and transparency of your front teeth. Therefore, a restorative filling material that provides a natural appearance should be chosen for the front teeth.
Repair:
You may want the filling material for your front teeth to be repairable in case of any unfavourable situation. Composite fillings that can be used on your front teeth can be easily repaired if necessary, but porcelain fillings are more difficult to repair.
Cost:
We can list the dental filling materials that can be used for your front teeth from the lowest to the highest price in terms of cost as follows:
- Amalgam filling on front teeth
- Cam iyonomer filling on front teeth
- Kompozit filling on front teeth
- Porselen (Seramik) filling on front teeth
- Gold Alloys filling on front teeth
What should be considered after the filling on front teeth procedure?
Follow your dentist's recommendations exactly.
- Do not neglect your oral and dental care.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day. However, be gentle on the filled area on your front teeth.
- Floss daily and keep the areas around the filling clean.
- Use antibacterial mouthwash.
- Avoid chewing hard objects.
- If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, you can use night plaques in consultation with your dentist.
- If you notice discolouration or inconsistency in front tooth fillings over time, contact your dentist. Fillings can be polished or renewed if necessary.
- Be examined by your dentist every 6 months for the condition of your filling and your general dental health.
F.A.Q:
How do I know if I need filling on front teeth?
If you see scratches, cracks, fractures, or cavities on your front teeth, or if you have a constant pain in your front teeth, a sudden pain when you bite, or sensitivity to hot and cold, you should see a dentist immediately. Your dentist will tell you whether your front teeth need a filling.
Will i have pain during the application of filling on front teeth?
Since local anaesthesia will be applied, you will not feel any pain during the procedure. However, you may feel sensitivity after the anaesthesia wears off. If you have pain, you can use painkillers prescribed by the dentist.
Can I eat and drink normally after a dental filling on the front teeth?
If composite filling was used for your front teeth, you can return to normal nutrition. If porcelain or temporary filling is used, you can eat normally after 3-4 hours. Since the amalgam filling provides full hardening within 24 hours, you can take soft foods after 3-4 hours.
What should I do in case of extreme sensitivity and pain after dental filling of the front teeth?
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods may disappear within a few days. However, if there is severe pain and prolonged sensitivity, you should be examined by a dentist immediately.
How long does a dental filling on the front teeth last?
First of all, you need to protect the health of your teeth and take very good care to increase the lifetime of the filling you have made on your front teeth.
Composite and ceramic fillings can last approximately 12-15 years; amalgam fillings can last up to 20 years.
How long will temporary dental fillings stay in my teeth?
Since a temporary filling is never intended to be permanent, it can last up to three months, but your dentist will likely replace them with permanent fillings well before that time.
How long does it take to get fillings for front teeth?
This duration varies depending on the examination of your teeth, the requested radiological imaging, the procedures to be performed on your teeth, and the number of sessions required for these procedures. However, we can provide an average duration for a single front tooth. The session durations for a single front tooth filling are as follows:
- Composite filling on front teeth: Completed in 20-40 minutes.
- Ceramic filling on front teeth: It can be completed in a single session, approximately within 1-2 hours. For fillings on front teeth that can be completed in two sessions, the first session takes 30-60 minutes, and the second session takes 30-60 minutes. With the laboratory time included, the procedure is usually completed within 2–5 days.
- Glass ionomer filling on front teeth: completed in 15-30 minutes.
- Resin ionomer filling on front teeth: It is completed in 20-30 minutes.
- Gold alloy filling on front teeth: the first session takes 30-60 minutes. The laboratory process takes 1-2 weeks. The second session also takes 3–60 minutes.
- Amalgam filling on front teeth: completed in 20-40 minutes.