Do you have unnaturally colored, metallic fillings? Have you experienced the embarrassment of silver fillings being obvious in your mouth? Are you self-conscious when you’re smiling or laughing? Imagine being able to finally laugh out loud, or smile as wide as you would like without anyone being able to see your fillings. It’s a great feeling to have all natural-colored restorations, which are as strong as they are beautiful. Due to the fact that most people want their teeth to look natural, Dr. Bryce does not place any amalgam (silver-colored) fillings in a patient’s mouth. These unnaturally colored fillings have a darkening effect on teeth, making them unappealing. This is especially true when they are visible in the corners of your smile.
Since the amalgam is about 50-percent mercury, it has an increased capacity of expansion and contraction to hot and cold food or drink. Be aware that mercury is used in thermometers for this very reason. The constant expansion and contraction may contribute to fracturing of your teeth. Some of these fractures may be painful, but most are not. The fractures that don’t hurt may actually go undetected for years, and allow bacteria to infiltrate deep into the tooth. These bacteria may find the pulp (nerve and blood supply), resulting in the need for a root canal and crown.
More often than not, teeth filled with large amounts of any filling material will be weakened to the extent that they may need crowns. As if this were not bad enough, there are many controversies surrounding animal studies that demonstrate the release of mercury from amalgam fillings and absorption of this mercury into our body’s tissue. From these controversies, alternative materials have appeared on the dental scene that now surpass amalgam not only in appearance, but also in function. Using composite resin tooth-colored materials, Dr. Bryce can create long-lasting restorations in a single office visit. For large cavities or filling replacement, similar materials can be subjected to high heat and pressure to make even stronger restorations, known as inlays and onlays. These materials are both aesthetic and durable. They give the appearance that you have never had fillings. With tooth-colored restorations, Dr. Bryce can seal teeth without the corrosion found in amalgam filling usage. These restorations are also used to strengthen teeth with adhesive or bonding technology, thereby reducing the need for crowns. Ultimately, this is more conservative dentistry and saves you money in the long run.
There are many modern materials and technologies available that can be used to make your teeth look and feel brand new. We invite you to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive exam and consultation. The great people of Potomac Falls, Sterling, Leesburg, Reston, Great Falls, and surrounding areas rely on Dr. Bryce for personalized, rewarding dental care. Call Aesthetic Dentistry by Design today to reserve your appointment with LVI dentist Dr. Bryce – because you deserve nothing less than a life-changing smile.