While deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration, there
has been a recent push for the discontinued use of amalgam fillings in dentistry.
From concerns over the long-term safety of these mercury-based restorations to
the aesthetic disadvantages that come with metal fillings, innovation in dental
technology has seen the development of more aesthetic, non-metal restorations
for patients of varying needs. Some of the more popular alternatives to metal
fillings include:
Composite Resin Fillings
Also known as tooth-colored or white fillings, composite
resin fillings are among the most common alternative to traditional amalgam
restorations. This metal-free alternative is made of an acrylic resin
reinforced with powdered glass filler and can be customized to match the
precise shade of the affected tooth. As the white filling blends in naturally
and is highly durable, composite fillings serve as an ideal alternative to
metal fillings.
Porcelain Inlays and Onlays:
Depending on the extent of damage, patients may be
recommended a porcelain inlay or onlay. Unlike composite fillings, which are
molded to fit within the tooth and made of a combination of materials, inlays
and onlays are made of pure porcelain and manufactured at a dental laboratory.
Inlays and onlays provide more comprehensive tooth coverage than a filling and
are tailored to blend in naturally with the rest of a patient’s teeth.
Porcelain Crowns:
In some cases, a filling, onlay, or inlay may not provide
sufficient coverage to a damaged tooth. Porcelain crowns can be recommended to
effectively reinforce tooth structure, allowing patients to enjoy restored oral
function and health without the aesthetic disadvantages of a metal crown or
metal-fused-to-porcelain crown. In addition to providing patients with a highly
durable and lasting alternative to metal crowns or fillings, porcelain crowns
at Aesthetic Dentistry of Scottsdale can be created in our office to meet
lab-quality standards.
Schedule Your Next Visit Today
At our Scottsdale cosmetic dental practice, Dr. Michael
Kelly and his team are proud to offer patients a number of alternatives to
amalgam and metal-based restorations. In addition to metal-free restorative
care, Aesthetic Dentistry of Scottsdale also offers amalgam-filling removal in
accordance to IAOMT standards. From the removal of metal fillings to the
placement of composite fillings and other metal-free alternatives, our team is
committed to providing patients with beautiful, healthy smiles.