What Does It Mean To Be A Metal-Free Practice?

Your Oak Park Practice Is Metal-Free

Whether you’re interested in seeing the team at the office of Wesley C. Wise, DDS & Assoc., LTD, or you’re exploring other dentists in Oak Park who are “metal-free,” you may be wondering what this means, and why it’s important.

At our office, Dr. Wesley C. Wise and our other doctors believe strongly in the benefits of being a metal-free practice. So, in this blog, we’ll take a look at what this means, and why choosing a metal-free dental practice in Oak Park is the best option for your oral health! 

Metal-Free Practices Don’t Use Amalgam To Treat Cavities

The term “metal-free” practice typically means that a particular dental practice does not use metal amalgam to fill teeth. Metal amalgam is usually composed of a mixture of metals including silver, tin, copper and mercury. It has been used to fill teeth for more than a century, and is still one of the most popular ways to restore a tooth that has been damaged by tooth decay.

At metal-free practices like Wesley C. Wise, we instead opt to use alternative materials such as dental composite, which is made of a blend of special dental resin. 

Understanding Why We Don’t Use Amalgam At The Office Of Wesley C. Wise, DDS 

So, why do some dental practices choose to be “metal-free?” That’s a good question. There are a few reasons that Dr. Wesley Wise prefers to use alternative treatments instead of metal amalgam.

• Preserve more tooth structure – When preparing the tooth for a composite filling, Dr. Wesley Wise does not have to remove as much of the natural tooth structure, compared to preparing for a metal amalgam treatment. Composite materials bond closely to the natural tooth structure, so less preparation is required. Keeping more of the healthy, natural tooth means you’ll have a stronger tooth after treatment. ‍
• Better cosmetic results – Metal amalgam has a silvery, grayish color. When used for a filling, this may discolor your tooth and make you feel less confident with your smile. Composite fillings, on the other hand, are selected to match the surrounding tooth perfectly. They look just like a natural part of your mouth. ‍
• Less sensitivity of the tooth – Metals are a better conductor than non-metal composite materials. Because of this, some patients report a higher sensitivity to hot and cold with metal fillings. This is more common in large fillings. Metal-free fillings, on the other hand, do not cause sensitivity because they are not as conductive. ‍
• No toxic mercury – Metal amalgam fillings usually use a small amount of mercury in their composition. Mercury is toxic. While the FDA does consider metal amalgam fillings to be safe, some patients may be uncomfortable with the idea of a toxic metal being used to restore their smile. 
  

Interested In Metal-Free Dentistry? Come To Our Office Right Away! 

At the office of Wesley C. Wise, DDS & Assoc., we pride ourselves on being a metal-free practice. If you want to learn more about metal-free dentistry and its benefits, you can schedule a consultation at our office now. Give us a call at (708) 524-0330, or stop by our office at 137 N Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60301.