Replacing Metal Fillings with Composite

For many years, amalgam fillings were the standard in dentistry. While the potential health risks of having metal and mercury present in the mouth have long been debated, the fillings themselves did their jobs admirably well. They allowed millions of people around the world to preserve the healthy portions of their teeth after the removal of decayed and otherwise damaged tooth matter. While these metal fillings might not have been the most aesthetically pleasing restorations, they were certainly preferable to the loss of a tooth, not to mention the pain of further damage.

Fast forward to 2013.  Metal fillings, while still commonplace at many dental practices, are no longer the only restorative option. Modern composite fillings blend flawlessly in with the surrounding healthy tooth structure while allowing patients to avoid having conspicuous, unnatural-looking metal flashing every time they open their mouths. No longer do patients have to compromise aesthetics for their oral health.

But what about those patients who have been living for years, or even decades, with silver amalgam fillings? Fortunately, it is relatively easy to replace these outdated fillings with their tooth-colored counterparts. In fact, Reston cosmetic dentist Wayne Myles encourages his patients who have amalgam fillings to make the switch for the sake of their smiles and their oral and overall health.

If you have old metal fillings that you would like to have replaced with safe, natural-looking composite fillings, we encourage you to visit our cosmetic dentistry practice in Reston. Dental fillings made of safe, durable materials will help to make your smile healthier and more attractive.  For further information, contact Dr. Wayne Myles today.

Benefits of Replacing Metal Fillings with Composite Fillings

There are many benefits to replacing metal fillings with composite fillings. Composite fillings are:

• Completely natural looking
• Free of mercury and metal
• As strong and durable as metal fillings
• Less prone to contracting and expanding at certain temperatures than metal fillings
• Able to withstand normal chewing pressure
• Virtually undetectable to the naked eye

In certain cases, we may be able to replace your old metal restorative work with a custom-crafted, all-ceramic inlay or onlay. Inlays are customized to replace missing tooth matter within the cusps while onlays are designed to replace missing tooth matter that extends to the cusps.

At our practice in Reston, dental crowns made of the finest-grade porcelain are also available. In certain cases, it may be advisable to remove a metal filling and then cover the entire surface area of the tooth with a custom-crafted dental crown. This is particularly applicable if the tooth has become discolored or otherwise aesthetically flawed since the placement of the metal filling. Dr. Myles designs dental crowns so that they complement the surrounding natural teeth in terms of size, shape, color, and texture. The resulting crowns are virtually indistinguishable from the natural teeth.

Say Goodbye to Metal in Your Mouth

If you are interested in replacing your metal fillings with brand new, state-of-the-art restorations that restore both function and beauty to your mouth, please schedule an appointment at our Reston cosmetic dentistry practice today!