Mercury-Free Fillings

Dental work no longer has to be conspicuous or dangerous to your wellbeing. Dental alloys contain many substances other than gold that can cause adverse reactions. A doctor wouldn't attempt to replace a knee or hip with cast alloy because the body would simply reject it. The same principle applies in dentistry. Why should you receive a restoration that could potentially harm your body when esthetically pleasing inert, bio-compitable materials exist? The bottom line is that you shouldn't. Your appearance and your health are too important.

At DC Smiles, we choose only premier dental materials that won't compromise you smile with dark fillings, metal crowns, and the laundry list of possibly allergenic and toxic materials that accompany them. The advanced tooth-colored restorations we provide are just as strong, reliable, and effective as antiquated metal and amalgam. Best of all, they allow your smile to remain naturally beautiful and all-white.

Mercury-Free Fillings

Toxic Effect of Mercury Fillings

Amalgam fillings have been widely used to restore teeth since the 1800s. Initially developed from a combination of silver shavings, zinc, copper, and tin, they are more notable for containing 45-55% mercury—this despite the fact that mercury is known to be hazardous to humans.

But aside from their potential toxicity, mercury fillings are problematic in other ways as well. Because they are sensitive to temperature, mercury fillings have been known to develop hairline fractures as they expand and contract. Patients may also experience tooth sensitivity. And what’s more, amalgam fillings are also known to weaken and change shape over time, due in part to the impact of chewing and biting, creating tiny cracks over time and putting patients at risk of bacterial reinvasion.

All of which is why, at DC Smiles, Dr. Lawrence Singer uses only mercury-free fillings (also known as tooth-colored fillings) to restore the smiles of patients from Washington, DC & Alexandria, VA . Mercury-free fillings are made from composite resin, ensuring that patients aren’t exposed to any harmful metals. Also, tooth-colored fillings represent a conservative approach to dentistry by actually supporting the tooth’s natural structure, enhancing its natural life in the process. And because tooth-colored fillings aren’t temperature sensitive and won’t change shape or crack, patients are protected from bacterial reinvasion and other kinds of trouble further down the road.

Learn more about Mercury Free Dentistry

Call our conveniently located Washington, DC, or Old Town Alexandria, VA, dental office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation or second opinion visit. Dr. Singer will assess your current level of oral health, discuss your goals for your smile, and recommend a unique and practical treatment plan specifically for you. Outside of Washington, DC, and Alexandria, VA, we serve Arlington, Fairfax, Springfield, Burke, and surrounding areas.