Metal vs. Porcelain Cosmetic Dentistry

When it comes to your teeth and health; whether restoring a tooth or replacing an existing metal filling, you should be insisting on metal-free dentistry. At StarBrite Dental we choose not to use metal since there are so many other great options available.

Although the ADA's official position regarding silver amalgam is that it's a "safe, durable and cost-effective material that dentists have used for more than 150 years," it still may not be one's first choice for restoration. Other factors should be considered.

Because it is a metal, the mercury in amalgam fillings expands and contracts with heat and cold, more than resin composites that are bonded. This movement may weaken and crack teeth and breakdown of the tooth structure. Also, metal fillings detract from the appearance of the teeth, turning them dark and gray. If your metal dental fillings are defective or show decay, it's important to replace them. If decay is left untreated, it may eventually lead to an infection and even tooth loss.

The options in tooth-colored restorations range from composite resins for smaller fillings to porcelain onlays and dental crowns for larger restorations. The benefit to any of these is that they protect fragile tooth structure and are chemically bonded to your tooth, restoring it back towards it's original healthy strength.

Call StarBrite Dental at (301) 770-1070 to schedule an appointment for a complimentary smile analysis and cosmetic consultation with Dr. Maryam Seifi. The presentation will include a digital before and after photo analysis to show what cosmetic dentistry can do to get you that smile you always dreamed of.