Mercury-free dentistry provides an alternative to silver amalgam fillings, which contain several metals, including about 50% mercury. Access to an alternative is important to many people who are concerned about how the materials used to restore their teeth will affect their oral and overall health.
What Are Mercury-Free Fillings?
Mercury-free fillings are tooth-colored composite—a mixture of glass or quartz with resin. There are various shades of composite Dr. Weiss can use to ensure the fillings match the shade of your natural teeth.
Advantages of Composite Fillings
Composite fillings have several advantages over amalgam fillings:
- Amalgam fillings, since they do not bond to the teeth, will weaken them. Composite bonds to your teeth and restores much of their original strength.
- When preparing a tooth for a filling, amalgam fillings require the dentist to remove all undermined tooth structure. Since composite bonds to the tooth, only the decay needs to be removed because any remaining weakened tooth structure will be bonded and strengthened. The result is much less tooth structure needs to be removed.
- Composite insulates your teeth so they are less sensitive to heat and cold.
- They look natural. Dr. Weiss will choose a shade of composite that closely matches your tooth shade.
- They are mercury free.
The photos below show how old amalgam fillings separated from teeth and left spaces for bacteria to leak in and promote decay. The fillings were replaced with natural-looking composite, which bonds to the teeth.
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BEFORE -
AFTER
Long-Lasting Fillings
Composite fillings take more time and advanced technique to properly place. Dr. Weiss takes the following steps to ensure your mercury-free fillings will last.
- Uses high-quality composite materials
- Properly prepares your natural tooth for the filling
- Correctly bonds and seals the composite for healthy function and long-lasting results
Are You Interested in Mercury-Free Dentistry?
Dr. Weiss understands your preference for mercury-free dentistry and will explain your options for preserving your teeth and protecting them from decay.
Call us to schedule an appointment, or request an appointment online.