Cosmetic Dentistry Beaufort SC Palmetto Smiles of Beaufort

PATIENT INFORMATION

METAL FREE DENTAL OFFICE

Dear Friends and Patients of Palmetto Smiles of Beaufort,

I wanted to take a few minutes out of your busy schedules to share some news that we at Palmetto Smiles of Beaufort are very excited about. As of 1 Jan 2011, we are a metal free office. This is a step we have been striving towards for some time now. We want the best for you - from your overall health to what is best for your tooth! With this change, we expect to see fewer fractured teeth, smaller fillings because less tooth structure has to be removed, and you can't beat that they are better for you and your tooth plus look good! We feel that this is a win-win all ways around and hope that you are excited as we are.

Jennifer Wallace, DMD

ADVANTAGES OF COMPOSITE (tooth colored) FILLINGS:

It's not just a matter of appearance!

· Since they bond to the tooth, composite fillings restore most of the original strength of the

tooth. Silver weakens the teeth, making them more susceptible to breaking. Since broken teeth are very expensive to restore(i.e. crowns and root canals), composites can save a lot of expense over the long run.

· Composites are mercury-free. Mercury in the fillings is viewed by some as being toxic. Dental

amalgam contains elemental mercury. It releases low levels of mercury vapor that can be inhaled. High levels of mercury vapor exposure are associated with adverse effects in the brain and the kidneys. FDA has reviewed the best available scientific evidence to determine whether the low levels of mercury vapor associated with dental amalgam fillings are a cause for concern. Based on this evidence, FDA considers dental amalgam fillings safe for adults and children ages 6 and above. Our office's philosophy is: If amalgam's NOT SAFE to put in the mouth of a child under age 6, we wouldn't want it at any age!

· Composites require less removal of tooth structure. Especially with new cavities, the size of

the hole made for the filling can be dramatically smaller with composites as compared to tooth preparations for amalgam fillings. In most cases in our practice, a new small cavity found in a virgin tooth ( no prior fillings) at a routine 6 month exam can be removed and replaced with a tooth colored composite filling with NO ANESTHESIA. That makes for quicker visits and happier patients...especially children!

· Teeth restored with white fillings are less sensitive to hot and cold than teeth restored with

amalgam, when correct techniques are used. General dentists can place amalgam without extra training. Composite requires the use of special bonding technology that many dentists are uncomfortable with. Dental schools, as a rule, do not fully train dentists for placing these newer types of fillings. Unfortunately, dentists have to pursue additional post-graduate continuing education to become proficient in composite bonding technology. Our office has done so and has an excellent success with this technique! Composite fillings restore the natural appearance of the tooth.