Cosmetic Dentistry and Skin Care Blog

While silver amalgams are a time-tested way to address tooth decay, many Smile & Skin clients prefer a more cosmetic method of cavity-repair. If you’re concerned about smile aesthetics, consider composite resin over silver fillings. Composite fillings are made of white resin that blends with the tooth’s surface, making it nearly impossible to see the filled area. Composites can also be used to bond the broken, cracked or chipped teeth that are impacting your smile.

Advantages of White Fillings

Aside from the obvious cosmetic benefits, white fillings have many other advantages. First, composites contain no mercury. The mercury content in amalgams is very small and deemed safe by the FDA, but patients who have mercury allergies or are concerned about mercury-related health conditions may prefer composites. Other resin filling benefits include:

• Smaller filling size: White composite fillings require less drilling than silver amalgams during the preparation process. As a result, your filling will be smaller and less noticeable.   
• Tooth restoration:  Silver fillings can weaken teeth over time, but composite resin bonds with the tooth to restore tooth durability. In addition, many patients report that their teeth are less sensitive to temperature extremes when composites are chosen over silver, since the resin acts as an insulator.  
• Secondary decay detection: Occasionally, a tooth will begin to decay underneath an existing filling. This is called secondary decay, and it’s much easier to locate when you have white vs. silver fillings.
• Low maintenance: In the event that you damage a composite filling, it is generally easy and affordable for Smile & Skin experts to repair it—without starting from scratch.

Composite resin fillings are an attractive option for most people, and typically last eight to ten years.  Although they are generally considered cosmetic treatment, your insurance will usually cover a portion of the cost.  If you’re interested in composites, discuss your options with Dr. Meola’s staff.

Ready to begin working on your smile? Call us today at (781) 893-7500 to schedule your annual exam, report tooth pain.  Ask about Smile & Skin Aesthetics cosmetic dental options or inquire about special pricing packages.

Cosmetic Dentistry Experts

If your Boston dentist has recommended amalgams (silver fillings) to repair tooth decay or restore your decayed teeth, you may be wondering about how safe they are. In recent years, much concern has been raised about silver fillings and their mercury content. Because of this, many patients are leery of fillings—and may even avoid them altogether. Unfortunately, avoiding a filling can lead to unhealthy and dangerous complications, so it’s important to understand the truth about amalgams. Here are the facts:

1. While it’s true that amalgams are made of elemental liquid mercury mixed with other metal alloys, the mercury becomes nearly non-toxic when bound with other metals. Because this form of mercury it is not absorbed well through the digestive tract, it is not a health concern. In addition, the amount of mercury released by patient amalgams is extremely small when compared to our average daily mercury intake from water, seafood and other environmental sources.
2. Choosing not to fill your dental caries (cavities) can lead to ongoing health problems. A cavity is the result of an accumulation of decayed particles and bacteria, and if you go without filling the cavity, bacteria can enter your body through your jaw and gastro internal track. These spreading bacteria could lead to both bodily infection and general health concerns. 
3. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA) have ruled, on numerous occasions, that silver fillings are not unsafe.
4. Amalgams are still in use because they are a durable, time-tested and affordable way of restoring decayed teeth. There are other options—including porcelain and composite resins—that are more cosmetically attractive.
5. It is estimated that less than one percent of the population is allergic to mercury, so mercury allergies are not a concern when it comes to amalgams. If you have a known mercury allergy, however, discuss other filling options with your Boston dentist.

Smile and Skin Cares about Your Health

Don’t let excessive tooth decay ruin your smile—and your health—since amalgam is still one of the safest, most effective materials for filling cavities. If you’re still concerned about filling your dental caries with silver amalgams or are interested in cosmetic alternatives, talk with the experienced cosmetic dentists at Smile and Skin Aesthetics office. Dr. Meola and his team will provide you with the latest in updated amalgam safety info, and discuss filling alternatives for patients concerned about mercury allergies or other mercury-linked health conditions.