Is Amalgam safe?

Posted on 09.14.16 By Alf Le

Although our dentists at Redcliffe Smiles don’t use metal fillings. Are they really that bad for you?

This a very common question we get at our clinic and a lot of concerns have been raised over the years in regards to amalgam fillings. Known to most as mercury, or metal fillings.

say-ahh-1417603-638x440Although rarely used today, Amalgam has been used for years to fill cavities in teeth, it is a combination of metals including silver, mercury, tin and copper. Small amounts of zinc, indium or palladium may also be used. Millions of people have amalgam fillings, so what’s the issue?

The concerns raised over the years have been in regards to the mercury it contains, there has been many studies conducted on the safety of amalgam fillings. In 2009, the U.S. Food and drug Administration (FDA) evaluated this research, it found no reason to limit the use of amalgam and concluded amalgam to be safe for adults and children.

The reason mercury is use in amalgam is because it helps to make the filling pliable, when it is mixed with an alloy powder, it creates a compound soft enough to mix and press into the tooth. It also hardens quickly and can withstand the force of biting and chewing.

Everyone is exposed to mercury through either air, water, soil or food. As with most substances, the degree of harm caused by mercury in the body is relevant to the amount we are exposed to. Very low levels won’t cause any ill effect whereas at high levels it can cause several symptoms. The controversy surrounding amalgam fillings centres around how much mercury is released and absorbed by the body.

Small amounts of mercury are released from the amalgam fillings but is very low. It is generally less than the daily amount you are exposed to environmentally or in the food you eat.

We don’t use Metal fillings at Redcliffe Smiles. We suggest replacing them if they are worn, have decay around them, or are a personal aesthetic concern. It’s difficult to justify replacing them on the premise of Mercury poisoning, considering the volume of scientific studies supporting their safety.

Front of Redcliffe SmilesIf there is nothing wrong with them there is really no reason to have them taken out.   

However if you are concerned with the amalgam fillings feel free to pop into our practice. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

Professional vs over the counter tooth whitening

Posted on 06.9.16 By Alf Le

Bright white teeth are all the rage at the moment! Who doesn’t want those pearly whites to be gleaming in all of their Instagram and Facebook photos? Some lucky people have naturally white teeth, but for those of us who don’t there are many products and different procedures available to help achieve this polished look.

As with any product on the market there are always the pros and cons to consider. There will always be questions that you ask yourself before making any final decisions: Is this the right brand? Is it going to hurt? Will this damage my teeth?

With that in mind, let’s look at the difference between professional whitening verses at home whitening.

Over the counter whitening

There are many different types of over the counter whitening products to choose from. These can be bought at your local supermarket or pharmacy. All of which are designed to be used at home. They can vary from whitening toothpastes, strips or gels used in preformed trays. The upside is that it is generally the cheaper option, however the whitening process is likely to take a lot longer. This is due to the strength of the whitening solution being a lot lower than what you would be provided by your dentist.

Some over the counter whitening products can be harmful, certain pastes may be more abrasive on your enamel and can gradually wear down your teeth.

Professional Whitening

This is perhaps the safer option when it comes to whitening your teeth, the products are all extensively tested and the process is monitored closely by your dentist.

There is the option of ‘in chair bleaching’ which is done over the course of approximately one hour and shows immediate results. The other, generally more popular option is the use of professional whitening gel using custom take home trays.

This is where your dentist will take impressions of your teeth. Special trays are then made to fit your teeth perfectly, with spacers to precisely hold the gel in the correct position. Your dentist will supply you with the whitening gel and instruct on how the process works.

Used for about 45 minutes daily over the course of a couple of weeks, your teeth become gradually lighter until you are happy with the shade. This is a great way to whiten your teeth, as you are in control and can stop when you are happy with your progress.

The main differences between the systems comes down to time and cost. So if you’re thinking about whitening, make sure to do your research or feel free to contact us at Redcliffe Smiles. We are here to help you make the choice that works best for you.

Happy whitening!