Have you ever opened your mouth wide and noticed a silver glint in the back? Or maybe your dentist asked if you preferred a silver or white filling—and you weren’t sure which to choose? Today on The Wonder Tooth, we’re diving into one of the most debated topics in dentistry: silver amalgam vs. white composite fillings. What are they made of? How do they perform? And do they really affect your body differently? Let's get into the facts, myths, and science behind these two popular dental materials.

Definition:

Silver fillings, or amalgam fillings, have been used in dentistry for over 150 years. They’re made from a mixture of metals, including:

1. Mercury (around 50%)
2. Silver
3. Tin
4. Copper
5. Zinc (sometimes)

The mercury binds the metals together and creates a hard, durable material once set.

1. Durability and Longevity
2. Lasts 10–15 years, sometimes longer.
3. Withstands strong chewing forces, ideal for molars.
4. Cost-Effective
5. Generally more affordable than composite fillings.
6. Quick Placement
7. Less technique-sensitive.
8. Easier to place in areas with limited access or moisture.
9. Bacteriostatic Properties
10. Some studies suggest amalgam fillings may inhibit bacterial growth under the filling.

1. Aesthetic Concerns
2. Very noticeable, especially when laughing or speaking.
3. Not suitable for front teeth or visible areas.
4. Cracks and Fractures
5. Metal expands and contracts with temperature changes, which can lead to tooth fractures over time.
6. May weaken the remaining tooth structure.
7. Mercury Content and Health Concerns
8. Contains elemental mercury, which is toxic in large amounts.
9. The ADA and FDA state that amalgam is safe for most people, but some health-conscious patients and holistic providers prefer to avoid it.
10. Mercury exposure risk is higher during placement or removal—not while intact.

In this exciting crossover episode of The Wonder Tooth Podcast, Dr. Radwa Saad welcomes KJ, the host of Confessions from a Dental Lab and a key figure at NuArt Dental Lab—one of the most innovative dental labs in the country.

Together, they dive into the power of collaboration between dentists and dental technicians, and how strong lab-dentist partnerships can transform the quality, longevity, and beauty of patient care. From porcelain veneers and removable prosthetics to CAD/CAM workflows, 3D printing, and digital shade matching, this episode explores the full scope of what’s possible when clinical excellence meets laboratory artistry.

Whether you're a dental professional looking to level up your restorations or a patient curious about how your custom smile is made—this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the synergy that powers elevated dentistry.

Tune in to learn:

1. Why lab communication is critical for beautiful, long-lasting results
2. The latest digital technologies NuArt Lab uses to support world-class dentistry
3. How porcelain veneers, implant crowns, and removable prosthetics are fabricated
4. How dentists and labs can co-plan cases for better fit, function, and esthetics

📍 Hosted by:

Dr. Radwa Saad, Founder of Dent Blanche Dental in Princeton, NJ

Guest: KJ, Host of Confessions from a Dental Lab & Director at NuArt Dental Lab

Ready to take control of your oral health?

Book your next professional cleaning at Dent Blanche Dental and experience the difference in elevated, personalized dentistry.

📞 Call us today at 609-890-1888

🌐 Or book online at www.dentblanchedental.com

Your healthiest smile starts now—and we’re here to help every step of the way.

Make sure to tune in to this eye-opening episode, and remember, great oral health starts with the right information. We're here to help you smile with confidence!

If you found this video helpful, please give it a thumbs up, subscribe to my channel, and hit the notification bell for more dental tips and advice.

If you have any questions or topics you'd like me to cover, leave them in the comments below. Thanks for watching, and I'll see you in the next video!"

"Remember, a beautiful smile starts with a healthy foundation."

Book a Consultation (Luxury Dentistry in Princeton, NJ):

👉 https://www.dentblanchedental.com

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By Dr. Radwa Saad | Cosmetic Dentist & Host of The Wonder Tooth Podcast and founder of Dent Blanche Dental

You can brush, floss, and rinse all you want—but if your diet isn’t right, your smile may still suffer.

Learn how your everyday diet affects your teeth and gums. Dr. Radwa Saad shares surprising facts, common food mistakes, and top smile-friendly choices.

Many people don’t realize their eating habits are slowly wearing down their enamel, inflaming their gums, and feeding harmful bacteria—all without them even knowing.

Here are the top dietary truths every smile-conscious person should know:

6 “Healthy” Habits That Secretly Harm Your Teeth

1. Lemon Water All Day – Acidic and erosive. Drink it fast, not over hours. Use a straw.

2. Dried Fruits & Trail Mix – Sticky and sugary. Feed cavity-causing bacteria.

3. Smoothies – High in natural sugars and acids. Drink quickly and rinse after.

4. Coffee with Sugar or Milk – Sipping constantly erodes enamel and stains teeth.

5. Keto or High-Protein Diets– Can cause dry mouth and “keto breath.” Stay hydrated.

6. Chewing Ice – Leads to microfractures and sensitivity.

Smile-Boosting Foods to Add

- Cheese & Yogurt – Strengthen enamel with calcium and casein

- Crunchy Veggies – Scrub teeth naturally, stimulate saliva

- Green Tea – Reduces inflammation, fights bacteria

- Strawberries – Natural brighteners, high in vitamin C

- Nuts & Seeds– Good fats and minerals

- Mineral-Rich Water – Supports tooth structure, unlike distilled water

3 Pro Tips for a Smile-Smart Diet

1. Time Your Eating – Avoid all-day grazing. Let saliva restore balance.

2. Wait Before Brushing After Acidic Foods – Rinse first, then brush after 30 mins.

3. Watch for Tongue Clues – Burning, coating, or soreness might be nutrition-related.

Final Thought

Your mouth is a reflection of your diet. Choosing the right foods—and eating them the right way—can strengthen, whiten, and protect your smile long-term.

✨ Want a personalized oral health and nutrition check? Visit us at [Dent Blanche Dental](https://www.dentblanchedental.com) in Princeton or call (609) 890-1888.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on *The Wonder Tooth Podcast* – available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube,

Make sure to tune in to this eye-opening episode, and remember, great oral health starts with the right information. We're here to help you smile with confidence!

🎧 Listen to the full episode on *The Wonder Tooth Podcast* available on Apple, Spotify, Pandora, and YouTube.

Make sure to tune in to this eye-opening episode, and remember, great oral health starts with the right information. We're here to help you smile with confidence!

If you found this video helpful, please give it a thumbs up, subscribe to my channel, and hit the notification bell for more dental tips...