All About Metal-Free Dental Fillings

A cavity doesn’t have to leave a lasting mark on your smile, nor does it mean you need to have a tell-tale metal filling. 

Thanks to metal-free filling materials, it’s possible to repair tooth decay and maintain the natural beauty of your teeth. At CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki, we use tooth-colored fillings that restore both function and confidence without the noticeable silver appearance of traditional fillings.

Here’s what you need to know about metal-free dental fillings, courtesy of Dr. Niki Cochran and her team.

What are metal-free fillings?

Metal-free fillings, also called composite fillings, are made from a durable, tooth-colored resin. Dental resin is made from a blend of plastic and fine glass particles — never metal — that can be bonded directly to your tooth.

Unlike traditional metal fillings, composite fillings can be closely matched to the shade of your natural teeth. Once placed, most people won’t be able to tell you ever had a cavity.

5 reasons to choose metal-free dental fillings

When you have a cavity, a filling stops the spread of decay and eases any decay-related toothache. Of course, a metal filling (also called an amalgam filling or a silver filling) can do that too, but there are advantages to going the metal-free route. 

1. They blend in with your smile

Composite fillings and metal fillings both fill a cavity, but composite fillings do so with aesthetics in mind.

Traditional amalgam fillings are easy to spot when you laugh, smile, or open your mouth. It’s hard to miss the flashy metal! 

On the other hand, metal-free fillings are customized to match your surrounding teeth, which then creates a more natural-looking result. For many people, that’s reason enough to make the switch.

2. They preserve more of your natural tooth

Composite fillings bond directly to your tooth. Because of this, Dr. Niki can often remove less healthy tooth structure compared to what’s required for some traditional fillings. 

Preserving more of your natural tooth is ideal since that can help support your long-term oral health.

3. They can strengthen the tooth

Unlike older filling materials that primarily fill a space, composite fillings bond to the tooth itself. This bond can help support your remaining tooth structure and restore normal function after a cavity is removed.

4. They’re versatile

Metal-free fillings aren’t just used to treat cavities. Composite resin may also be used to repair:

• Small chips
• Minor cracks
• Worn areas
• Small cosmetic imperfections

In some cases, composite bonding can improve the appearance of a tooth without requiring more extensive treatment.

5. They don’t contain metal or mercury 

Many people simply prefer a restoration that doesn’t contain metal. Metal fillings are 50% elemental mercury (by weight). Because the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ranks mercury as the third most hazardous substance, many people want to avoid it altogether.   

Composite fillings don’t contain any metal, which makes them an attractive option for anyone who wants a more metal-free approach to cavity treatment.

What happens during the procedure?

Getting a metal-free filling is a straightforward process. First, Dr. Niki removes the decayed portion of the tooth and thoroughly cleans the area. Then she places the composite material in layers and carefully shapes those layers. After she completes shaping the resin, she uses a special curing light to harden the resin.  

Once the filling is polished, your tooth can look and function much like it did before the cavity developed. 

How long do metal-free fillings last?

With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits here in our Lakewood, Ohio, office, your composite fillings can last for many years.

The biggest risk of failure of any filling (metal or metal-free) is secondary (future) cavities, so brushing, flossing, routine cleanings, and avoiding habits like chewing ice can help maximize the lifespan of your restoration.  

Protect your smile with natural-looking care

Treating a cavity doesn’t mean settling for a noticeable silver filling. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Niki to learn whether metal-free fillings are right for you.

You can also reach us by phone at 216-616-1385.