Questions for Your Holistic Dentist in Prahran
At Lifetime Dental, we believe in educating our patients so they can make informed decisions about their dental healthcare. Below, we have compiled some FAQs that can help shed light on treatments, technologies and more.
Have Questions? We're Here to Help!
If your question isn't answered below, or you would like more information, you are welcome to contact us. One of our friendly staff members will be pleased to assist you.
Mercury-Free Fillings
It means that Lifetime Dental does not use mercury in their dental clinic, including in their restorations. This gives many patients peace of mind.
Lifetime Dental is a holistic, biologically focused dental clinic, meaning we take a holistic and natural approach to your dental care.
Additionally, mercury-free dental restorations and fillings offer a more aesthetically pleasing finish. For example, our fillings blend with your tooth colour. They are made of a safe composite and are ideal for treating cavities.
Other Examples of Biocompatible Dentistry
Besides mercury-free dentistry in Prahran, we offer:
- CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns
- Extraction-Free Orthodontics
- Digital Imaging
- Laser Dentistry
We can safely remove older amalgam restorations and replace them with our tooth-coloured option.
Our materials and technology contribute to our holistic approach to your dental care.
Preventing Cavities with Your Dentist
Regular dental exams and teeth cleans are the best ways to lower your tooth decay risks. However, these visits should always be part of a larger prevention plan. In other words, be sure to brush and floss at least twice daily between these dental appointments.
Your Dentist in Prahran Welcomes Your Call
To learn more about our approach to dental care or to book a consultation with the dentist, a team member is standing by to get you started.
The SMART technique (or Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) is a method for safely removing silver dental fillings that contain mercury. While studies show that mercury dental fillings do not cause harm, some patients can be sensitive to this element or prefer not to have mercury in their mouth.
At Lifetime Dental, we understand why patients prefer mercury-free restorations, such as tooth-coloured composite restorations.
The SMART technique allows us to safely and efficiently remove your silver fillings and replace them, which is also an aesthetic gain. With tooth-coloured fillings, there are no metal-coloured restorations to detract from your smile.
As a holistic dentist in Prahran, we take a holistic approach to dental care and the materials we use, which is why we champion composite fillings.
How the SMART Technique Works
The SMART technique uses a rubber dam and potent suction to remove older fillings. This method results in less vapour and heat, which can reduce unwanted exposure and is considered safe and effective.
We then replace the filling with our tooth-coloured option that does not contain mercury.
Would You Like to Learn More about the SMART Technique?
For more information about our holistic approach to dental care or to schedule a consultation for mercury removal, please call us on (03) 9510 1644.
Typically, amalgam fillings contain mercury and are considered traditional mercury-based fillings. During previous decades, these restorations were popular and the standard of care. However, modern patients prefer a mercury-free filling material or restoration, such as composite.
Our composite resin fillings are mercury-free, biocompatible, and offer benefits including:
- Better aesthetics because they match your teeth
- Less tooth removal because it is applied in layers
- A restoration free from mercury
- A filling that does not shrink or expand on the tooth
Whenever possible, we choose biocompatible materials to restore your smile, and we always use mercury-free fillings in Prahran.
Keeping Your Smile Healthy Between Checks and Cleans
The only thing better than a beautiful, discreet filling is no cavities at all!
We recommend booking regular checks and cleans with our dental team. Also, remember to brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily—after every meal is even better. When you brush and floss, take the time to clean every tooth.
If you notice tooth sensitivity or other changes to your oral health between checks and cleans, we encourage you to call our dental clinic as soon as possible.
Your Holistic Dentist in Prahran Awaits Your Call
To learn more or to book an appointment in our amalgam-free dental clinic, we welcome your call today.
Many patients choose to replace their old mercury or metal fillings with tooth-coloured composite ones for a few reasons:
Composite Fillings Withstand Temperature Changes
Metal (or amalgam) fillings are made with a mix of metals, including mercury, which can expand and contract with temperature changes, like when you drink hot coffee or eat ice cream. Over time, this constant shifting can lead to tiny cracks in your teeth, weakening the tooth structure and increasing the risk of breaks or further decay. On the other hand, composite fillings do not change with temperature.
Composite Fillings Are Colour-Matched to Your Teeth
Another reason patients prefer to replace metal fillings is aesthetics. Metal fillings are noticeable and can darken over time, whereas mercury-free composite fillings blend seamlessly with your natural tooth colour for a much more discreet, attractive look.
Composite Fillings Do Not Contain Metal or Mercury
Finally, many people feel more comfortable with mercury-free fillings due to health concerns around mercury exposure. While research is ongoing, mercury-free composite fillings are a popular choice for those seeking a safe, metal-free alternative that looks great and also helps protect their natural tooth structure and strength.
Aesthetic, Mercury-Free Fillings in Melbourne
If you’re interested in replacing your old metal fillings, we invite you to give us a call and ask about our safe, biocompatible options.