What You Can Do
Dr. Ray Behm, a metal-free dentist in Clearwater, Florida, says the safest replacements for amalgams are metal-free resins or composites that match the ivory color of teeth. He uses Diamond Crown from DRM for fillings. For crowns, he prefers Sculpture Fiberkor. Dr. Behm sees no reason to use metal in the mouth. Non-metal materials are strong enough to handle any scenario, he says. He isn’t a fan of porcelain either. “It’s a glass product and has aluminum in it. It doesn’t qualify as being metal-free.”
If you are removing your amalgams, take care. “You need advice from a mercury-free dentist. No one should get it taken out by someone who is still putting it in,” says Brown. “If that dentist does not respect the toxicity involved with putting it in, he won’t for taking it out.” Behm adds that dentists have to be careful, too, because removing mercury can put them at risk for exposure. And both Brown and Behm stress that pregnant and breastfeeding women should not have their amalgams removed because the mercury exposure resulting from the process goes straight to the fetus.
While some dentists do advertise themselves as mercury free, the ADA polices that distinction. SustainLane’s green business directory includes listings for many holistic dentists and mercury free dentists who can advise you.
Removing the filling does not get rid of all the mercury that has built up, and patients often follow a detox process afterwards. Some practitioners use supplements, diet, colonics, and sweat therapies. Chelation therapy is sometimes used as well.
Related Story: Smiling Through Brighter, Whiter Teeth
