When it comes to dental care, not all patients are created equal. Patients have different needs, and those who are seeking metal-free restorations—an increasingly popular choice for dental restorations—are no exception. The difference between metal-free restorations and conventional restorations is in the materials used. Conventional restorations typically make use of metals such as silver and gold, while metal-free restorations are made from a variety of ceramics and resins. Metal-free restorations can be processed using state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology, and they provide superior strength and durability, excellent aesthetics, and improved biocompatibility.
The Problem With Conventional Metal Restorations
Conventional metal restorations come with several limitations, not the least of which is their unattractiveness. Metallic restorations can stand out from the surrounding natural teeth, creating an unaesthetic appearance. Additionally, many patients are concerned about the potential health risks associated with the metallic materials used in these restorations. Metals can be corrosive, and dental amalgam fillings—often used to fill cavities—are made of a mixture of silver, mercury, copper, tin, zinc, and other metallic alloys. The mercury in dental amalgam is known to be harmful to human health, and many patients are eager to explore healthier alternatives.
Metal-Free Restorations: A Healthier Alternative
Metal-free restorations use ceramics, composite resins, and other materials that are naturally colored to create a restoration that blends in with the surrounding teeth. The result is an evenly colored smile that looks completely natural. Additionally, these materials provide improved biocompatibility. That means that these restorations are less likely to cause allergies or irritation. Perhaps just as importantly, advances in technology now make it possible to create metal-free restorations with excellent strength and durability. This means that patients can enjoy the benefits of their natural-looking restorations without worrying about chipping or cracking.
State-of-the-Art Processing Technology
Metal-free restorations can be processed using state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology. CAD/CAM stands for “Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing.” In the case of metal-free restorations, this technology is used to create a final restoration that is an exact, custom fit for the patient’s mouth. This results in a final product that is more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing than one that is manually created. Additionally, CAD/CAM technology makes it possible for metal-free restorations to be manufactured more quickly, which means that patients can have their treatment completed in fewer office visits.
Metal-Free Restorations and the Future of Dental Care
As patients become increasingly concerned about the use of metals in dental restorations, practitioners are seeing the value of metal-free restorations. As technology continues to improve, the advantages of metal-free restorations will only increase. With improved biocompatibility, excellent aesthetics, and state-of-the-art processing technology, metal-free restorations provide an increasingly attractive option for patients who are interested in the best possible dental care. Metal-free restorations can provide a more comfortable, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing alternative to conventional restorations, and they may be the future of dental care.