When you smile, you are putting yourself right out there for all the world to see. Ok, it’s just the person or people in front of you at any given moment, but smiling can feel somewhat vulnerable. Do your teeth look good? Did you get all the spinach from your salad out? Does your smile look healthy and natural? If you can answer yes to these questions, then you’re good to go. If your smile has signs of damage; evidence such as amalgam fillings, you may feel less satisfied with appearance – and that’s not all.
Why Choose Metal Free Fillings
Obviously, you are not walking around with severe tooth decay. The evidence of cavities usually comes in the form of an amalgam filling. At first, these fillings are a light silver color. That doesn’t last long. Over time, oxidation causes the metals and mercury of these fillings to darken – a lot. To mitigate the consequences of dark fillings, many patients are choosing metal-free composite restorations. While attractive due to their natural aesthetic, these fillings offer much more than a nice appearance.
In recent years, we have experienced an increased push to end the use of dental amalgam. This is not because the material isn’t strong. It is. But it also has a few cons. Namely, the inclusion of mercury in an amalgam filling is concerning regarding general health and wellness. It is believed that, when amalgam is heated from chewing, mercury vapors are released from each and every amalgam filling. This is absorbed into tissues and inhaled, sending potentially unhealthy mercury into all parts of the body, where it cannot be expelled without the specific focus.
Holistic Dentistry
Dr. Flax is not only a reputable, accredited cosmetic dentist in Atlanta, he is also a dentist who focuses on holistic principles. It is his commitment to do no harm that leads him to exclude amalgam from our dental practice. Patients treated with composite or porcelain restorations as an amalgam-alternative retain the natural appearance of the damaged tooth, and they also avoid the complications related to the antiquated filling procedure that has been used for over 150 years.
Would you like to know more about mercury-free fillings or the safe removal of existing mercury fillings? Contact us at (404) 255-9080.
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