Metal is a useful material in dental work, but not everyone wants metal for their dental restorations. Metal alternatives are available. Knowing the options and how metal alternatives work can help you decide which material type is best for your teeth.
The professionals at Weninger Dentistry are here to help. We provide metal-free restorations for our patients, including fillings, crowns, and bridges. Let’s go over the many metal-free restoration options, so you can choose the right restoration material for you.
What is a Metal Free Restoration?
A metal-free restoration, including fillings, crowns, and bridges, are restorations that are made from non-metal materials like porcelain. Porcelain is a natural material that can be easily made to match the color of your teeth. It’s also a material that’s generally well-accepted by the body and unlikely to create health problems for the individual.
Metal-free restorations can also include composite materials. Composite resin is used in a range of procedures including cavity fillings. Advancements in technology have made composite materials more common in modern dental procedures.
How Do Metal Free Restorations Work?
Metal-free restorations vary in their complexity and process. Simple procedures like fillings may be completed in one visit, while more complex procedures may need two or three appointments to complete.
To get started, teeth are cleaned before treatment begins. If enamel removal is required, this happens in the early stages. Next, digital impressions are taken using advanced scanning technology. Information from these digital impressions is processed to create a permanent restoration with milling technology, ensuring a perfect fit and your satisfaction.
Finally, the restoration is adhered or bonded with your teeth, allowing you to resume your activities with your new smile.
Some Benefits of Metal Free Restoration
There are many benefits of metal-free restoration. Below are some of the reasons our patients choose metal-free restoration over metal options.
- Comfort and Appearance: Porcelain and composite bonding materials look like tooth enamel in their shine and coloring. Metal-free restorations blend seamlessly with natural tooth enamel, making them nearly indistinguishable from your own teeth.
- Durability: Porcelain restorations are highly durable. Porcelain restorations have a lifespan of around ten years. Porcelain also avoids issues like leakage and bacterial infiltration, which are common with metal fillings. Porcelain also reinforces weak or chipped teeth.
- Mercury-Free: Unlike metal fillings that contain mercury, metal-free restorations are completely mercury-free. This reduces potential health risks and makes them a safer choice, especially for pregnant women.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Metal-free restorations are generally more affordable than metal restorations. Your dentist can talk to you about your budget and how much your dental insurance will cover to help you decide which option is right for you.
Taking Care of Your Metal Free Restorations
Metal-free dental restorations need maintenance to ensure a long service life. Some tips:
- Use a night guard if you grind your teeth. Teeth grinding can crack porcelain restorations. Use a night guard to prevent bruxism from damaging your restorations.
- Maintain good oral hygiene habits. Hopefully, you already brush your teeth twice daily and floss once per day. Don’t forget to see the dentist twice annually for checkups.
- Avoid biting hard objects. Do not use your teeth to open bottles or chew tough foods, as this can damage your fillings and your teeth.
Want to know more about metal-free dental restoration in Tampa, FL? Contact the professionals with Weninger Dentistry. Make your first appointment to get started.