At Planet we use bio-compatible materials for restorations and always non-metal, tooth-coloured materials. We do not just “drill and fill” as we consider the oral-systemic link hence use as “body-friendly” dental materials as possible.
Our main white (non-metallic) filling material is called Composite resin. We have researched all the composite resins in the market at this time and feel the resins that top this list are ‘Filtek’ by a company called 3M and ‘Admira fusion’ by Voco. 3M and Voco are worldwide companies who spend millions of dollars on researching the most up-to-date materials. Their composites have no metals, no BPA’s, and no Fluoride content. With vigorous research we can find no m-RNA in any of our materials including local anaesthetics contradicting some recent belief in the population since the Covid vaccines.
We use this material for simple to complex restorative methods to ‘fill’ your tooth. Like all restorative filling materials, they require sound tooth structure to ‘bond’ against, and when there isn’t enough tooth structure available we will use ceramics (porcelain) to make larger and stronger restorations.
- Composite resin restorations (white fillings) – This is the primary restorative material at Planet Dental. It is free of harmful metals and is the no1 alternative to the amalgam mercury (‘silver’) filling. Composites are made up of a matrix and a filler. The matrix is typically BisGMA which is a methacrylate resin which does NOT include any worrying BPA. The filler is typically a silicate/glass material to give wear strength and cosmetic enhancement. Silane is the ingredient to couple the matrix and the filler together. We use composite to restore for function and, especially for cosmetics. It can be used for front teeth and back teeth as it is very strong and looks like natural enamel. Composite has a clinical limit if the filling needs to be very large and doesn’t have enough tooth structure to bond onto (a ‘crown’ may then be discussed).
- Porcelain (ceramic) Veneers – This a thin layer of porcelain to cover discoloured, cracked, fractured, badly shaped, and crooked teeth. It only covers the front section of your tooth. Primarily used on front teeth, especially uppers. It can be the ceramic restoration of choice to keep the dentistry to a minimum as there is only a small amount of tooth reduction required from the front surface of the enamel. This preparation is very minimal so that the porcelain can actually sit on, and look perfectly part of your tooth. When veneers are placed on most of the front teeth it is sometimes called the ‘Hollywood Smile!’. Veneers can also be made in composite resin (white filling material), however, porcelain veneers have higher strength and generally, have better cosmetics. The process can take as little as 2 appointments, with only 1-2 weeks from start to finish.
- Porcelain (ceramic) Crowns – Crowns (or “Caps”), are the dentist’s best restoration for strength and cosmetics. This is because they actually cover most, or in some cases, the entire tooth structure. They are particularly useful when a tooth is very broken down or already has a very large filling that needs replacement. The general rule of whether a crown is required clinically or not is the amount of natural tooth structure left after a fracture or removal of a filling. The dentists at Planet Dental will attempt to maintain your own natural tooth structure before we decide to crown. If a crown is required it will restore function and appearance. Some patients ask for crowns for aesthetic reasons only, and this can be discussed with your dentist. Materials used at Planet are all ceramic-based which are more biocompatible to the body than metal alloy based crowns. Metal alloys may have some known harmful metals included and cannot always be determined and quantified exactly. Our favourite material at this time is Zirconium, an inert metal, which is mined here in WA that will actually crystallize, becoming extremely strong. To put it in simple terms, Zirconia is approximately 10 times stronger than human enamel! Our Lab technicians are experts in the milling and creating of these crowns so they can look as close as possible to a natural tooth. On a rare occasion, we also agree with full gold restorations due to the high gold content approx 80% with pure silver and a small amount of copper. These metal crowns are not to be confused with metal fillings that include mercury. We are a mercury-free and consider ourselves also a mercury-safe practice.
- Porcelain (ceramic) Bridges – When we lose a tooth we require it to be replaced for function and/or cosmetics. A bridge is one option that a dentist has to construct a new tooth for you. A bridge is basically a crown as above, but rather than being placed on your tooth it is placed into the gap between your teeth. The adjacent teeth then have to support this ‘false’ tooth by being crowned themselves or minimally bonded to. The different designs of a bridge can be discussed with your dentist as each is quite specific to your needs.
- Implants – The dental implant is at this time, the no1 choice for most patients regarding the replacement of a single tooth, several teeth, or all teeth! An implant is actually an artificial tooth root inserted into the jawbone. It will then, either retain or support a further restoration. This is normally a ceramic crown, a bridge, or a full plate (denture). At Planet Dental, we refer our patients to our preferred Implantologist/ prosthodontist. They will insert the implant, which over time, will become part of your actual jawbone. This is called Osseointegration. We will then construct and fit the crown, or bridge that is required, depending upon how many teeth are missing. An implant can carry a very high success rate and last for many years, in comparison to other forms of dentistry.
So whether you are about to lose a tooth, already have a missing tooth, or already have dentures, please have a chat with your dentist regarding treatment options.
Mercury-free and Mercury safe dentistry
Amalgam fillings are the number one source of mercury exposure to humans, outside occupational exposures. Amalgam is a mixture of several metals; 50% Mercury, 35% Silver, 10% Copper, Tin, and Zinc.
Amalgam fillings continuously release elemental mercury vapour into their environment. The first exposure to mercury from amalgam would be from conception from the mother’s amalgams. Removal of amalgams are therefore not advised during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In fact, there are many occasions an amalgam filling will be best left in-situ and your dentist will discuss with you the correct timing and recommended procedures to be followed if removal is considered the best option.
There is a difference between mercury-free dentistry and mercury-safe dentistry. Being a Mercury-safe practice ensures proper safety measures are followed; Removal of the Mercury amalgam filling is done safely by following IOAMT protocols, including using an amalgam separator so as to minimise the potentially harmful effects from the release of mercury vapour and particulate during the removal procedure to the patient, staff and to the environment. Please book a consult with Dr Gavin to discuss further.