Lifetime Dental

Biological Dentists in Melbourne, VIC

Holistic and Aesthetic Dentistry

Lifetime Dental > Services > Mercury-Free Fillings

Not only do metal fillings stand out aesthetically, but many people find that they have a sensitivity to them. We use only composite resin fillings, which blend in with your smile and support our mercury-free mission.

couple with mercury-free fillings in prahran

Mercury-Free & Amalgam-Free Fillings in Prahran

A mother with her daughter in prahran

As a holistic and amalgam-free dentist, Lifetime Dental is committed to toxic-free dentistry. Safe removal of mercury filling material is essential, and restoring the teeth with safe white toxin-free filling materials is central to our philosophy because the weight of research points to the toxicity of these materials, from the day they are placed until the day they are removed.

The problem with amalgam fillings is that they continuously leach mercury. Mercury is well known to be a highly toxic substance, and when released in the mouth, it is absorbed through the skin of the mouth, swallowed into the rest of the gut, and breathed into the lungs. The cumulative effect can be incredibly harmful. Mercury poisoning from these types of fillings isn’t the only cause for concern.

Following amalgam filling removal, we have often found tooth decay under existing silver mercury fillings. The safe removal of amalgam fillings is vital because, without specific safety measures, possible exposure to toxic mercury is increased.

Benefits of Mercury-Free & Amalgam-Free Dentistry

Choosing biocompatible materials offers benefits for health and aesthetics.

Minimise Sensitivities

With metal-free dentistry, you can minimise allergies or sensitivities to metal restorations.

Natural-Looking

Composite and porcelain dentistry blends in with your natural teeth, so no one sees your dentistry!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I consider replacing my silver amalgam fillings with composite, tooth-coloured fillings?

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.

What does it mean for Lifetime Dental to be an amalgam-free practice?

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.

What is the difference between amalgam-free fillings and traditional mercury-based fillings?

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.

What is SMART technique?

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.

Our Amalgam Removal Procedure

We follow the standard removal protocols set by the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology). This SMART procedure involves:

Using a non-latex rubber dam, and draping a gown over the patient to limit exposure.
The use of an alternative air supply over the nose.
Fitting dentists and staff with masks and glasses.
Using an efficient water spray to keep the amalgam cool.
Removing amalgam fillings in as large pieces as possible.
Using a high-volume vacuum to remove any vapour formed.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr Chris Darby

Chris Darby, the founder and principal dentist of Lifetime Dental, graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1984. He focuses heavily on TMD, non-extraction orthodontics, sleep apnoea and snoring, bringing ...

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Dr Ben Olstein

Dr Ben Olstein is passionate about building long-lasting relationships with his patients. He attended Melbourne High School and earned his Bachelor of Biomedicine and Doctor of Dental Surgery from the ...

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Dr Charlie Kong

Dr Charlie Kong has been helping patients feel confident in their smiles since 2014. He’s passionate about treating people with care and dignity and always strives to solve each dental ...

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Kristina

Kristina is a skilled dental hygienist with extensive experience in the field. She began as a dental therapist in 1997, and in 2000, she became dually qualified as a therapist ...

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Marrion

Marrion is a dental nurse who has worked in dentistry since 2017 and has been a valued member of our practice since 2022. Trained in the Philippines, Marrion plays a ...

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Our Mercury-Free Restoration Procedure in Prahran

patient with composite dental filings in prahran Our holistic dentist only uses filling materials that are the safest for the human body. We ensure the materials are strong, biocompatible, long-lasting and colour-matched to the tooth. To satisfy these demands, we always turn to specific composite fillings.

We even offer a BPA (Bisphenol A) free form of composite filling, which is perfect for anyone seeking to avoid estrogen agonists.

We remove the mercury-containing filling and any decayed tooth under this filling. The white toxic-free composite filling is then placed in thin layers. We then use a visible light beam, to cure or set the filling hard. We then shape it and carve it to replicate the original tooth.

In shaping and carving the filling we say we are RESTORING the tooth to its original state so that it is an efficient cutting blade for the food we eat. We do not just fill the tooth! For a holistic dentist, this is a major distinction! We take extra time to recreate the biting surface of the tooth so you can chew better, and proper mastication is beginning and an essential part of the digestion process.

Blogs

This patient chooses Amalgam-Free Dentistry in prahran

July 30, 2025

Beyond the Smile: The Whole-Body Benefits of Choosing Amalgam-Free Dentistry

Biocompatible dentistry aims to prioritise toxic-free materials. Because biological or holistic dentistry considers the whole patient, we are vigilant about the materials we use inside your mouth.

While studies find mercury or amalgam fillings safe, we understand that mercury can emit harmful vapours, or some patients may be allergic.

We pride ourselves on materials, techniques and technologies that promote healing, and concentrate on more natural or biocompatible materials, such as:

Composite Resins
Ceramics

We believe that a natural approach to dental care may promote whole-body benefits.

Mercury-Free Dentistry in Prahran

Our tooth-coloured fillings are made ...

Why We’re Proud to Be Amalgam-Free: A Healthier, Brighter Smile at Lifetime Dental in Prahran

We’re pleased to offer mercury-free dentistry in Prahran, specifically our tooth-coloured fillings. In contrast to silver fillings, our tooth-coloured options are mercury-free and colour-matched to blend in with your natural teeth.

The benefits of tooth-colored fillings include:

Mercury-free restorations
Less tooth cutting in many cases
A material that does not react to heat and cold
A beautiful and discreet finish

What Are Amalgam Fillings?

Amalgam fillings are silver-coloured and often detract from your smile. They contain mercury, though studies have deemed them safe. However, some patients react poorly to mercury or feel more comfortable when it ...

Why Choose Our Mercury-Free & Amalgam-Free Restorations?

Save yourself from potential mercury poisoning and tooth fracture due to the expansion and contraction of the mercury filling during eating and drinking.
Swap silver amalgam fillings for aesthetically pleasing tooth-coloured white composite restorations.
Remove the commonly found decay that exists under a great majority of amalgam silver mercury fillings.
Protect your teeth from further damage by having a well-formed and sealed filling fitted that looks, feels, and functions like the original tooth.
Restore function to your mouth, and enjoy a more comfortable bite.
Receive the information you need to look after your teeth at home.
Take advantage of pain-free and sleep dentistry if you suffer from any dental phobias or anxieties.

Choose a Healthier Smile: Schedule Your Mercury-Free Consultation Today!

Ready to discuss the benefits of mercury-free restorations for your smile? At Lifetime Dental in Prahran, we're dedicated to providing safe, aesthetic and durable solutions. Contact us to arrange an appointment to explore how we can enhance your oral health with biocompatible options.

We Offer Dentistry for Whole-Body Health