Dental fillings have come a long way from the old days. Today, there’s no need for metal or mercury to restore a tooth’s strength and function—though, unfortunately, some practices still use these outdated materials. At Lifetime Dental, we proudly say no to toxic silver amalgam fillings (which contain mercury) and yes to biocompatible, tooth-coloured composite resin. This modern filling material blends seamlessly with your natural teeth and avoids metals and heavy-duty chemicals, so you can restore your smile without compromising your health. Our approach is simple: safe, effective and natural-looking. What’s better than that?
Safe for all ages, composite fillings are a modern, tooth-coloured solution for treating cavities and restoring damaged teeth. Made from a safe, durable resin, composite fillings are mercury-free and metal-free, making them a healthier alternative to traditional silver amalgam fillings. They’re designed to blend seamlessly with your natural tooth colour, so they’re practically invisible. They don’t leave any dark spots or noticeable signs of dental work. Composite fillings restore your tooth’s strength and function while sealing off decay and giving you a strong, natural-looking smile. Ultimately, composite fillings are discreet as they are safe.
Many patients choose to replace their old mercury or metal fillings with tooth-coloured composite ones for a few reasons:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 dental filling process is simple, pain-free and tailored to meet your smile's unique needs. For patients with dental fear and anxiety, we offer sleep dentistry, including nitrous oxide, to make your appointment more relaxing.
Here’s what to expect during your visit:
For teeth with significant damage, we may add a small pin to support the filling to help strengthen the tooth and prevent the need for extraction. This extra step reinforces teeth that would otherwise be at risk.
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Our team at Lifetime Dental is here to care for your oral health and help you feel fully informed and comfortable with every step of your dental journey. Whether you have questions about specific treatments, are curious about our holistic approach or simply want to know more about maintaining your oral health, we’re ready to listen and provide answers just for you. We know life can get busy, and arranging dental care shouldn’t add stress, so we’re committed to making appointment setting as smooth as possible. Just give us a call at (03) 9510 1644, and our friendly staff will find a time that fits perfectly with your schedule, or you can conveniently request an appointment through our online scheduler.
Our team at Lifetime Dental is here to welcome you and help you get a smile you’ll feel great about sharing. We look forward to meeting you and providing the care that makes all the difference.
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