Amalgam-Free Restorative Dentistry in Kitchener, ON
Looking for Mercury-Free, Amalgam-Free dental treatments? You are in the right place! At MI Dental, we prioritize both your health and your smile by offering a wide range of safe, modern, and aesthetically pleasing restorative dental solutions.
From simple fillings and crowns to more advanced procedures such as inlays/onlays, root canal therapy, and non-surgical gum therapy, we are here to help restore your teeth with biocompatible, durable materials.
Whatever your dental needs, our team is committed to providing customized care to keep your smile strong, healthy, and natural-looking. Schedule an appointment today at our Kitchener dental office, we would love to help you achieve your best smile!
A Brief History of Restorative Materials
For more than 150 years, dental amalgam was the most widely used filling material in dentistry. Developed in the 1800s, amalgam is a mixture of metals including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. It quickly gained popularity because it was affordable, strong, and durable, even in areas of the mouth that endured high biting forces. Many patients are surprised to learn that some amalgam fillings can last 30 years or longer with proper care.
Over time, however, the demand for more natural-looking materials grew. Patients wanted restorations that blended with their teeth rather than showing as dark silver or grey spots. Advances in dental science during the late 20th century introduced composite resins—white, tooth-colored materials that could restore function while looking nearly invisible in the smile.
From Amalgam to Composite: An Evolution
While amalgam has a proven track record for longevity, composite resins have transformed restorative dentistry:
- Aesthetics: Composite resins can be precisely shade-matched to your teeth, offering a seamless restoration that no one will notice.
- Bonding to Tooth Structure: Composites chemically bond to the natural tooth, allowing for more conservative treatment that preserves healthy enamel.
- Versatility: Composite materials can be used in a variety of situations—from small cavities to cosmetic reshaping.
That said, composites are more technique-sensitive than amalgam. Placement requires a completely dry field, since even minor contamination from saliva or moisture can compromise the bond. This can sometimes lead to sensitivity or reduced lifespan if strict protocols are not followed. Amalgam, in contrast, was more forgiving, it did not require perfect isolation and was relatively easy to place in challenging areas.
At MI Dental, we recognize the strengths of both materials historically, but our philosophy today is to provide amalgam-free dentistry with the latest composite technologies—combining strength, aesthetics, and biocompatibility for your overall health and confidence.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the very first dental fillings used by ancient civilizations included beeswax and even crushed stone mixed with resin? Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since then! Modern composites not only restore your teeth but also mimic the translucency and shine of natural enamel.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why don’t you use amalgam anymore?
While amalgam is strong and time-tested, it contains mercury, which many patients prefer to avoid. Composite resins also provide better cosmetic results, which is important for most people today.
2. Are composite fillings as durable as amalgam?
With proper care and placement, composite fillings can last 7–15 years, sometimes longer. They may not always match the extreme longevity of amalgam, but they offer significant advantages in appearance and tooth preservation.
3. Will my old amalgam fillings need to be replaced?
Not necessarily. If an existing amalgam filling is intact and not causing issues, it can be left in place. We only recommend replacing old fillings if they are leaking, cracked, or otherwise compromised.
4. Do composite fillings cost more?
Composite fillings typically cost slightly more due to the technique-sensitive process and materials, but most patients find the natural look and comfort worth the investment.
At MI Dental, our goal is to blend art and science—restoring your teeth with materials that are safe, strong, and virtually invisible.
