Metal-Free Restorations – Downers Grove, IL
A Non-Toxic Solution to a Healthier Smile
Did you know that most dental offices throughout the country have made the switch from traditional amalgam to restorations that use no metal at all? Why the sudden change? At Esplanade Dental Care, the choice to offer metal-free restorations in Downers Grove is due to the mounting research that shows how toxic regular amalgam can be on the mouth, body, and environment. Instead of using silver or gold fillings and/or crowns, these metal-free solutions make it possible to maintain a more seamless, blended aesthetic while providing a safer, more environmentally friendly option. To find out more about how you can make the switch, contact us today.
What Are Metal-Free Restorations?
Metal-free restorations are an alternative treatment method to using traditional amalgam (i.e. silver, gold). Not only are they more aesthetically pleasing because of the materials used, but they also provide a long-lasting solution that is safer and biocompatible.
For decades, dentists have relied on the benefits associated with amalgam; however, as researchers began to dig deeper, they discovered that not only are the materials toxic to the body and environment, but they cause people to be less confident in their smile because of the blatant spotlight from the gold and/or silver. Amalgam also makes it impossible for individuals who are allergic to metal to receive necessary care.
Nowadays, people want a more subtle, discreet solution, which can be found in using metal-free restorations.
What Are the Benefits of Metal-Free Restorations?
- Increased durability
- Enhanced aesthetics and a boost in confidence
- Nearly impossible to detect by others
- Biocompatible
- Will not leave dark rings around the base of your tooth
- Allow you to keep more of your natural tooth
- Safer, natural materials that can be easily matched to the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth
- Hypoallergenic
What Are the Types of Metal-Free Restorations?
At Esplanade Dental Care, your cosmetic dentist in Downers Grove can easily offer the following types of metal-free restorations:
Dental Crowns
These are also known as “caps” and are placed over a weakened tooth that is plagued with decay or damage. They are custom made by lab technicians who will design your crown based on the color, size, and shape specifications set by you and your dentist.
Fillings
Instead of filling a cavity with silver or gold, our team will use composite resin, which is a malleable substance that is matched to your natural tooth color to create a seamless blend. Once your tooth is thoroughly cleaned, the resin will fill in your tooth and require a curing light to harden into place. This creates a seal to protect against future reinfection.
Inalys & Onlays
If a tooth is not damaged enough for a dental crown but cannot successfully receive a filling, an inlay or onlay can be created. Inlays can fit within the “cusps” of your back teeth while onlays are designed to cover these cusps. The process of bonding these so-called fillings is the same as a traditional filling, as they require the use of a curing light to harden into place.
Dental Bridges
If you are missing one or more teeth in a row, we can have a dental bridge created by lab technicians that will not only fit over your natural teeth on either side of the gap but also fill in the hole to create the look of a fully restored smile. These restorations truly “bridge the gap” in your smile, so you can once again, look and feel your best.