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Amalgam Fillings

Dental amalgam is the traditional silver colour fillings we are all familiar with. Mercury Amalgam is still the only material provided on the NHS for filling the biting surface (occlusal) of back teeth. Tooth coloured (white) fillings can be provided privately, although there are circumstances where your dentist would not be able to provide white fillings where an amalgam filling can be placed – although there are often other alternative such as crowns or inlays.

Advantages of Amalgam

Disadvantages of Amalgam

Concerns over Amalgam

Mercury Amalgam has been used in dentistry for over 150 years. The material out of favour in recent years with fears over the effects of the mercury on the body. Despite countless researchers investigating this, there has been no link found between the filling material and any systemic disease. The most recent, significant update in dental amalgam came from the US Food and Drug Administration FDA, who in July 2009 stated “he levels released by dental amalgam fillings are not high enough to cause harm in patients” (http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/Pressannouncements/ucm173992.htm). Amalgam as a dental material has been banned in several Scandinavian countries, including Sweden, however this has primarily been for environmental reasons. Measures within the UK reduce the amount of mercury that is produced by a dental surgery from reaching the water system.

The material is mixed in the surgery, a powder containing, amongst other things, Silver and Tin. Once combined, the composition chemically changes from a powder/liquid mix, to a solid alloy. The mercury chemically combines with the other components such that little or no free mercury remains.

Alternatives to Amalgam

The most popular alternative remains composite (tooth coloured) fillings, although for certain teeth these are only available privately. See here for more details.

Testimonials

“Invisalign – Light. Crooked front teeth that had started to become more noticeable. This, in turn, started to affect my confidence.

The experience at Beaufort Park was excellent throughout. The staff, from the initial consultation, were friendly and professional. The welcoming reception staff through to the excellent dentist (Russell Gidney) have made this an (almost!) pleasurable experience!

I feel so much more confident and happy to smile again in public.

Quintin Bell


“I hated my smile in photos, I looked as though I only had about 4 teeth! 🙁

Treatments have all been explained, the team have been great & I have started to notice my teeth changing & looking good – despite not even being half way through my treatment (Invisalign Aligner 11/23). I am so happy with the progress.

Thank you! 🙂

Super, I would recommend to anyone considering treatment.

Rachel C


“After years of being unhappy with my crooked teeth and avoiding photographers if at all possible.

I decided to seek corrective treatment at the grand old age of 55 in order to be able to smile at my daughters up coming wedding. After a chat with the Beaufort Dental practice I decided on a course of CFast treatment. In a few short months I was thrilled with the result. Straight teeth which were so much easier to care for and which looked 100 per cent more attractive

The cost was manageable too and I paid at intervals during the treatment. I wish I’d done it years ago.

MD


“I did not like my teeth so didn’t smile.

Invisalign – absolutely brilliant! Very professional team, extremely happy with the results!”

Lisa G


“Even though my oral hygiene has always been excellent I have for many years hated my teeth which were discoloured + the crowns rather mismatched.

Dr Russell Gidney was the first dentist I had confidence in to correct my problems. He showed great empathy, kindness + professional skill. He made me feel completely at ease.

His dental nurses + admin staff are all lovely. The outcome is better than I expected, I now have a lovely smile!”

Pamela C


“I recently had cosmetic work on my teeth carried out by Russell at the surgery. he explained everything in detail and I am overjoyed with the results. The difference it has made is amazing and I thoroughly recommend them. The staff are very helpful too!”

Gaynor M

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