Metal-Free Fillings

Smile Makeover Specialist

Over the past decade, tooth-colored fillings have replaced noticeable, amalgam (silver) fillings in mouths across the nation. These metal-free fillings are ideal for repairing small spots of tooth decal and fractured enamel on the back teeth because they resemble your tooth’s natural color.

Temperature Sensitive
One of the major problems with metal amalgam fillings is that they’re temperature sensitive and expand and contract when exposed to heat and cold. This activity can weaken the tooth and cause it to crack or break. These fractures can allow bacteria to seep into the tooth, and ultimately cause tooth decay.

Mercury Traces
The composite resin material may also be safer than traditional silver fillings, because they don’t contain any mercury. While the American Dental Association (ADA) declares the use of mercury in metal fillings is safe, there’s still a debate in the dental industry regarding the side effects of these amalgam fillings.

In Europe, many countries have banned the use of silver amalgam fillings to avoid any risks associated with mercury. There is also the question of how alloyed materials will affect your teeth over time. In some cases, amalgam fillings have resulted in serious teeth damage including:

Fractured teeth resulting from the expansion and contraction of the metal filling
Unattractive dark lines at the gum line resulting from the use of metal in crowns and bridges.
Gum disease because of decay underneath the metal.
Allergies from low-grade alloy metal used in restorations.

The Procedure
In applying a metal-free filling, the dentists at Trans Zen Dental will remove any decay and smooth the cavity area. She’ll take an impression and choose a shade for your filling. While the porcelain filling is being created, you’ll wear a temporary filling to protect your tooth. Once the new filling is ready, the dentists at Trans Zen Dental will bond the restoration into place with a special adhesive. Your new filling will match your other teeth perfectly and have a smooth, natural texture.

Replace Those Old Fillings
If you have an old, broken-down filling, a non-metal restoration will not only brighten your smile, it will also restore and strengthen your tooth to its original state. With proper care and healthy oral hygiene, your composite filling could last 15 years or more.

If you’d like to replace unattractive metal fillings with a more natural-looking filling that blends in with the rest of your teeth, contact the dentists at Trans Zen Dental for a smile analysis. Serving the residents of the Scottsdale and Phoenix areas, she can help you achieve the picture-perfect smile you’ve dreamed about. Call or e-mail our offices today!

Trans Zen Dental, PLLC
8753 E. Bell Rd., Suite 101 | Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: 480-563-4ZEN | Fax: 480-513-4ZEN