Truckee, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/04/2015 -- New technologies of dental adhesion have allowed traditional mercury amalgam fillings to be replaced by amalgam-free composite fillings, which are a much closer match to natural teeth in terms of durability, comfort, performance, and appearance.
"I often get requests from my patients for an 'upgrade' of their fillings. What they really want is for their outdated metal fillings to be taken out and replaced with modern, tooth-colored restorations," offers Dr. Reid of Tahoe Dental Artistry.
A broken tooth can be quickly and easily restored to its natural beauty using composite fillings as a plausible alternative to getting a dental veneer or crown. These amalgam-free fillings involve state-of-the-art ceramics and resins, which help to maintain the healthy, remaining tooth structure.
"Composite fillings not only restore decayed teeth, but are also used for cosmetic improvements. They can change the color of the teeth or restore the shape of deformed teeth. The end result is essentially invisible fillings," Dr. Reid adds.
To prepare a tooth for a composite filling, it is treated gently and the weaker parts of its structure are removed before conditioning the enamel and dentin. Once conditioned, a thin layer of resin is applied. The length of time it takes for the resin to bond to the etched surface depends on the size and location of the cavity. After the composite filling is placed, Dr. Reid shines an intense light on it for less than a minute to get it to completely harden.
When composite resin fillings were first introduced, they were used only on the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure of the back teeth. However, they have been vastly improved and can now be used on the back teeth as well.
Many dental professionals agree that these tooth-colored composite restorations are safer and more environmentally friendly compared to conventional fillings, given that they do not contain mercury. While the American Dental Association (ADA) declares that the use of mercury in metal fillings is harmless, there are ongoing debates within the dental field regarding the adverse effects of mercury amalgam fillings.
About Dr. Reid's Practice
Dr. Reid's practice is driven by its philosophy and mission to offer complete diagnosis and educational opportunities that support comfortable, healthy and esthetically pleasing dentistry for a lifetime.
To make an appointment with Dr. Reid, call 530-587-9560.