Your front teeth are those that you show off to the world when you smile, and they are also the teeth that bear the brunt of pressure when you bit into food. Therefore, if you have decay in your front teeth, it can be incredibly difficult to contend with on a daily basis. Thankfully, placing fillings in the front teeth is a common dental procedure, so most people with damage in this area can see their smile restored. Take a look at some of the things you likely want to know about getting fillings in your front teeth. 

Can you see fillings in your front teeth?

It is a common misconception that fillings are visible. However, fillings are no longer always done with filling material that you can see because it is a different color than the teeth. The filling material used in most cases is made of a material that hardens to be the same color as the enamel of your teeth. Therefore, once the work is complete, you won't really be able to see any difference and no one will be able to tell that you've had work done on your front teeth. 

Do fillings in front teeth last as long as in other teeth?

Fillings in your front teeth are sometimes exposed to a little more wear than those in other parts of the mouth because your front teeth do most of the biting when you chew food and often are most exposed to beverages. However, you really should see your fillings last for a long time in spite of them being in your front teeth. The type of filling material used will have a lot to do with how long the filling will last, so it is best to discuss this with your dentist before the work is done. 

What does it mean if your dentist inserts a glass ionomer liner? 

If the dentist drills out the decay and the nerve is exposed, they will oftentimes insert a piece called a glass ionomer liner to protect that nerve. If the nerve is left exposed when the filling material is added, it can cause you to have pain even though the decay is essentially gone and the opening is filled in. These liners protect the nerve for the long term and are not visible because they are inserted inside of the root system of the tooth itself. 

For more information, contact a dentist like Kyle J Frisinger DMD who handles dental fillings.