Back in the day, many dental care services such as fillings depended on the use of metals that were shaped and set into place to preserve the tooth’s structure. However, modern-day dentists such as the dentist in Laguna Niguel are using alternatives for their patients. Normally, patients are offered a composite resin for the restoration process. Find out below a few reasons to choose a clinic like Aria Dental for metal-free dentistry.

What Are The Advantages of Metal-Free Dentistry? 

Normally, dentists have to prepare the tooth before they place a metal, or amalgam filling. This is done by drilling and filing the tooth down into the appropriate shape. Unfortunately, a pediatric dentist in Mission Viejo knows all too well that dentistry with younger patients can be a slightly painful and uncomfortable experience. However, composite resin does not need as much drilling into the tooth, reducing the amount of sensitivity the patient may feel. 

Improved Safety

Based on findings from the FDA, most amalgam fillings consist of elemental mercury that can release toxic vapors into the body. Although there is no direct evidence to show that mercury exposure is harmful, the FDA does recognize that traces of the element can gather in natural tissues, such as the brain and kidney. If you are worried about your body’s exposure to mercury, opt for metal-free fillings or dental implants in Orange County made from safe, non-toxic materials .

Less Probable Damage To Teeth

Because a lot of drilling is required for metal fillings it may lead to the loss of healthy material, jeopardizing the tooth’s structural integrity. Furthermore, since amalgam is a substance that is harder than enamel, it can place excess pressure on the tooth, causing it to break. Although composite resin is durable, it is soft. As a result, professional metal-free dentistry can help patients preserve more of their natural teeth and lessen the risk of future damage. 

More Aesthetically Pleasing 

People with amalgam fillings can’t hide the metal in their mouths. Some people feel insecure about their teeth because these fillings are visible when they laugh or talk. Metal-free dentistry uses materials such as porcelain and composite resins to guarantee the aesthetic appeal of the filled tooth by blending it with the rest of the natural teeth. To achieve a natural smile, it is fundamental to visit a dentist that uses metal-free products. 

No Allergic Reaction 

Amalgam fillings consist of mercury and other components. However a few people have reported allergies to mercury, so there is a slight risk in using this material for the tooth restoration procedure as opposed to a metal-free procedure by the dentists in Laguna Niguel.

The allergic reaction linked with mercury can cause inflammation and irritate the soft tissues inside the mouth. This can lead to several problems associated with gums and overall oral health and might result in the removal of mercury fillings in the future. To prevent this from happening, opt for holistic dentistry which does provide metal-free alternatives. Not only will you restore your damaged teeth, but it will prevent any issues related to allergic reactions.

No Concerns About Mercury

The issue that patients of dentists in Laguna Niguel face is the fact that metal amalgam in dental restorations contains mercury as one of the metal components. Typically, mercury is poisonous, but the amounts in dental restorations are safe enough for healthy adults.

Nevertheless, studies have not confirmed that the mercury amounts in dental restorations are safe for pregnant mothers, fetuses, and children under the age of six.

Even though the composite dental restorations do not include any known poisonous substances, most patients who want to be cautious usually stay away from fillings containing mercury such as amalgam dental restorations.

Low Risk of Infection

When a dentist does a metal restoration procedure, it usually consists of separate pieces of materials. For instance, a titanium implant is two pieces of titanium that manufacturers have fused together. If the two pieces move after treatment, they may create a space between them which bacteria might take advantage of, causing an infection. When you receive a metal-free treatment, you do not have to be concerned about this risk. 

No Metal Absorption 

When there are metal devices in a person’s mouth, some of the metal ions may leak and get absorbed inside the mouth. For instance, research has found that natural teeth absorb some of the nickel, chromium, and iron in stainless steel dental crowns. Although the dangers of absorptions are still not clear, you might want to be more careful and opt for metal-free dental devices to prevent such risks. 

Less Pain

Before the dentist can place the metal, or amalgam filling, inside the patient’s mouth, the dentist has to prepare the tooth by drilling and filing it into a proper shape. Unfortunately, this process can be slightly painful for patients. Fortunately, the composite resin needs much less drilling into the tooth, lowering the amount of sensitivity that the patient may feel. 

Reduced Waiting Time

It isn’t the dentist’s fault that preparing a tooth for an amalgam filling is a time-consuming process that can keep a patient idle in a chair for longer than they would hope for. The good news is that metal-free dental care, besides all the other benefits, is a faster process.

Strength and Durability

Don’t believe the false assumptions that metal crowns are stronger than metal-free crowns, because they are not. The composite dental crowns bond together with the teeth to form a durable bond that strengthens the weak tooth. The composite crown is made up of a single piece of material, which lowers the risk of it being damaged. The design makes the metal-free crown stronger than the metal crown. 

Cost

Now, what about the price? Many metals used in dental devices are premium metals that are not very cheap. If you are looking to restore your teeth, and you don’t want to pay sky-high prices, you are probably better off with the metal-free restoration alternatives. The price advantage is even more obvious when you have to restore numerous teeth.  

So, with that being said, why don’t you try a more biological approach to dental care? At Aria Dental of Mission we offer expert holistic dental treatments. Dr. Horiyat, who is a holistic, biological, & integrative dentist & IAOMT, ACIDM, & IABDM certified, provides complete treatments that also improve your health in the long run.

To find more information about holistic dentistry, give Aria Dental a call or text today at (949) 364-9600 or send us a message on our website www.ariadentalcare.com to schedule your appointment with our dedicated and professional holistic dentist.