Patients are seeking a natural look – how can we help?

Amalgam in the UK

Statistics reveal that 84% of UK adults have at least one filling.[ii] While there are no concrete figures to show how many of these are amalgam, it’s safe to assume that millions of individuals in the UK currently have amalgam fillings in their mouths.

As you’re probably already aware, there are plans to phase out the use of amalgam in UK dentistry by 2030.[iii]However, there are concerns that this phase out is too drastic, and that the material should still be allowed for use in the UK where appropriate to the clinical situation.[iv]

As such, amalgam is likely to be part of dentistry for the foreseeable future, meaning that clinicians must be prepared to manage and replace it effectively. Here are some of the reasons why patients may prefer to avoid or replace their amalgam:

Health and environmental concerns

From an environmental standpoint, the use of amalgam is problematic. The main reason the material is being steadily phased out of use is because of the impact it can have on marine ecosystems. Amalgam has a high mercury content and, in the sea, it can convert to methylmercury – a substance that is able to bioaccumulate in the bodies of sea creatures and cause them considerable harm. Furthermore, if humans then ingest these creatures, there is a chance they could suffer from mercury poisoning.[v]

While many patients are unlikely to be aware of these environmental concerns, they may have heard the discourse surrounding the toxicity of amalgam and whether it is dangerous for use in fillings. While the majority of research states that amalgam is a safe dental material,[vi] a quick google search will reveal plenty of sources that present adverse information. These include claims that dental amalgam leads to mercury accumulating in organic tissues and suggestions that the material could be responsible for adverse effects in humans such as developmental issues in children.[vii]

A more natural smile

As previously mentioned, one of the biggest downfalls of amalgam as a material in the modern age is the way it looks. In a world fuelled by social media, video interaction and the constant need to look good, people no longer want materials that don’t seamlessly blend with their smile.

Additionally, composite fillings are often less invasive, requiring less of the tooth’s natural structure to be removed before placement – something that is very appealing to patients who want to preserve their real smile and don’t want it marred by metal.

Finding alternatives

Choosing an amalgam alternative isn’t always easy. You not only have to consider the aesthetic potential and versatility of the material in question, but also its durability, predictability and ease of placement. After all, a wonderfully aesthetic material may look good, but if it can’t withstand any exertion and is prone to fracture, it’s unlikely to be a lasting solution. Versatility is also an important factor; especially as daily dentistry always presents new challenges that often require materials able to adapt to multiple situations.

It’s also important to bear in mind whether the amalgam alternative you are supplying is cost-effective from a business standpoint, as well as affordable for patients. This way, you don’t alienate the patients who would usually opt for amalgam due to financial constraints, while also being able to provide everyone with an aesthetic, durable solution.

Diamond Carve Rapid Set Capsules from Kemdent are a trusted alternative to amalgam. User-friendly and cost-effective, the capsules are extremely tough, durable and resistant to edge chipping. Furthermore, they are a versatile product that can be used for class I and II load-bearing restorations, core build-ups and more, making them a fantastic addition to every clinician’s arsenal.

Natural smiles are the future

Although amalgam will continue to play a role in UK dentistry for some time, having a more aesthetic alternative available is vital. This way, you can provide people with natural-looking restorations that appeal to modern sensibilities, as well as having peace of mind that you are creating long-lasting, strong fillings that are just as predictable as amalgam.

For more information about the leading solutions available from Kemdent, please visit www.kemdent.co.uk or call 01793 770 256

Author
Alistair Mayoh
Marketing Director Kemdent

[i] Rathore, M. et el. The Dental Amalgam Toxicity Fear: A Myth or Actuality. Toxicol Int. 2012 May-Aug; 19(2): 81–88.

[ii] Dentaly.org. Interesting Facts about Teeth and UK Dental Statistics. Link: https://www.dentaly.org/en/dental-facts-statistics/ [Last accessed January 23].

[iii] BDA. Dental Amalgam. Link: https://bda.org/amalgam#:~:text=the%20feasibility%20of%20a%20phase,health%20services%20and%20medical%20care. [Last accessed January 23].

[iv] BDA. Vital UK dentistry avoids a rapid ‘phase-out’ of dental amalgam. Link: https://bda.org/news-centre/latest-news-articles/Pages/Vital-UK-dentistry-avoids-a-rapid-phase-out-of-dental-amalgam.aspx [Last accessed January 23].

[v] Science Daily. How Mercury Gets Into The Sea. Link: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210929124357.htm#:~:text=Mercury%20is%20particularly%20dangerous%20in,cause%20cardiovascular%20diseases%20in%20adults. [Last accessed January 23].

[vi] Rathore, M. et el. The Dental Amalgam Toxicity Fear: A Myth or Actuality. Toxicol Int. 2012 May-Aug; 19(2): 81–88.

[vii] Mutter, J. Is dental amalgam safe for humans? The opinion of the scientific committee of the European Commission. Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology volume 6, Article number: 2 (2011).