Although dental fillings are among the most common restorative dentistry treatments, they are surrounded by a cloud of confusion and even controversy. Two kinds of fillings are widely available: silver amalgam and composite resin. But while amalgam has been around for centuries, many experts claim that they are dangerous and unnecessary. Meanwhile, composite fillings have soared in popularity, thanks to their cosmetic and health benefits.
At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre in Coffs Harbor, we exclusively offer composite fillings. Dr. Arpit Pathak can even replace your old metal fillings with composite. Once your new composite fillings are in place, you will enjoy a beautiful smile and complete dental function.
To learn more about our dental fillings or to schedule a restorative consultation, contact Magic Smiles today.
Composite Dental Fillings Look More Realistic
At first, silver amalgam fillings will usually blend in with your smile. Over the years, however, they can start to show through, giving your teeth a grey tint.
In contrast, dental composite comes in a broad range of shades, so your dentist can easily find one that is an almost perfect match to your teeth.
Composite Causes Less Wear and Tear on Your Teeth
To prepare your tooth for any type of filling, your dentist will need to remove some dental tissue. This will, of course, include any decayed tissue, plus a bit more to ensure a strong bond for the filling. Many times, however, silver fillings require more tooth preparation than composite.
Further, if you think back to your basic physics lessons, metal expands and contracts with changes in temperature. Thus, every time you eat or drink something particularly hot or cold, your filling will change shape. Over time, this can weaken your teeth, causing cracks and other damage.
Composite Is 100% Mercury Free
“Silver amalgam” dental fillings actually contain several additional types of metals, including tin, copper, and liquid mercury. Long-term, excessive exposure to mercury can cause numerous health problems, including:
- Tremors in the hands, lips and eyelids
- Kidney dysfunction
- Developmental issues in unborn children
In addition, although the nature of the connection is still being determined, it is known that Alzheimer’s patients have toxic levels of mercury in their brain tissues. Frighteningly, autopsies show that individuals with metal dental fillings have 2 to 5 times more mercury in their bodies than those without amalgam fillings.
Composite is Legal Across the Globe
Because of the unnecessary health risks associated with silver amalgam, several countries around the world have already banned these dental fillings. Countries that have a general ban on amalgam include Sweden, Norway, the Philippines, and the UAE. Italy has pledged to phase it out by next year; many other countries have plans to do so by 2030.
In Australia, amalgam fillings are still legal. However, the Australian Dental Association has issued a strong warning against using these dental fillings in pregnant women or patients under the age of 15.
Learn More About Our Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings
Receive top-of-the-line dental fillings and personalized care when you visit Smiles Dentistry and Implant Centre. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Reach us online or call us at (02) 6652-3242.
