Why Have Metal-Free Fillings Become So Popular?

If you have a decaying tooth, you might assume a metal, or amalgam, filling is your only treatment option. However, thanks to advances in restorative dentistry, metal-free fillings are becoming increasingly popular.

At Family Dental Group, our team led by Nikhil Lavana, DMD, and Archana Kharkanis-Lavana, DMD, proudly offer metal-free fillings. Here, we explain what metal-free fillings are and highlight some of their benefits.

Metal vs. metal-free fillings: A comparison

Dental fillings are one of the most common restorative dentistry procedures. They “fill” the hole in your tooth enamel caused by decay, restoring your tooth’s shape, size, and appearance, while preventing further damage.

Several types of dental fillings exist, including:

Metal (amalgam) fillings

These fillings are made from a mixture of metals, including copper, silver, and tin. They’re strong and durable, but are silver in appearance, so they don’t blend in with your teeth. Metal fillings also contain liquid mercury, which can increase the risk of other health problems.

Gold fillings

These fillings are made from a mixture of gold and copper. They’re shiny, like metal fillings, and don’t blend in with your teeth, but can last for up to 20 years, making them a popular option.

Composite (metal-free) fillings

These fillings are made from a mixture of composite resin and glass. They look similar to your natural tooth enamel and blend in with your smile.

4 benefits of metal-free fillings

Over the last decade, metal-free fillings have become more and more popular. There are several reasons for this, including:

1. They’re mercury-free

Metal fillings often contain small amounts of mercury. The amount isn’t enough to cause serious health concerns and amalgam fillings are FDA-approved. However, research shows they can release small amounts of mercury vapor during chewing, leading to mercury absorption in the bloodstream. Since mercury has been linked to various health problems, metal-free fillings provide peace of mind.

2. They look natural

People with metal fillings often feel self-conscious when smiling and speaking. Since the material doesn’t blend in with your teeth and light reflects metal, these fillings are easier to see when you’re presenting or taking photos.

Metal-free fillings, on the other hand, are designed to match your natural tooth color. We use a shade comparison chart when mixing the filling material, to ensure your final restoration looks natural.

3. They’re easier to apply than traditional fillings

Preparing a tooth for a filling involves removing the decaying tooth enamel and some healthy enamel surrounding it. Metal fillings require a significant amount of enamel removal, whereas metal-free fillings require much less. This means less time in the dentist's chair and more of your natural tooth intact.

4. They reduce tooth sensitivity

Metal fillings provide an excellent conductor for heat and cold. As a result, many people with them experience tooth sensitivity when consuming things like soup, ice cream, and hot cocoa. Since metal-free fillings don’t contain any metal, they’re less likely to cause this problem and provide a more comfortable wear experience.

Contact us to see if you’re a candidate for metal-free fillings!

If you have a cavity that needs filling, contact Family Dental Group today. After a review of your dental records, an oral exam, and dental X-rays, we can determine if a metal-free filling is right for you. Call our nearest office in Gardner, Northborough, or Paxton, Massachusetts, or book your appointment online today.