Life Smiles Dental Care is OPEN

Life Smiles Dental Care is OPEN to help you with your routine care. In response to the spread of COVID-19, to keep our communities safe we are taking numerous precautions. We are here to help you at Life Smiles Dental Care with all your dental needs. You may either call (602) 786-5484 or contact us through Virtual Consultation to book an appointment.

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Team Life Smiles Dental

We now offer Telehealth. Book a Virtual Consultation

New Patients: (602) 786-5484

Existing Patients: (602) 404-7266

4611 E Shea Blvd, Ste 250
Phoenix , AZ 85028 | Direction

Phoenix smiles look naturally healthy with composite fillings

An estimated 92 percent of American adults have had at least one cavity in a secondary tooth. For many, that means noticeable silver-colored amalgam fillings. Patients in the Phoenix area have a more natural-looking option with composite fillings.

About tooth colored fillings

Composite resin filling material is a blend of plastic and finely-powdered glass. The substance is color-matched to the shade of your teeth and has a light reflecting luster that looks like tooth enamel. Only a dentist can detect a well done composite filling. Composite is a conservative treatment. Less healthy tooth structure is removed, since the filling is bonded (rather than pressed) into place. It is generally completed in one visit, requiring about a half hour per treated tooth.

Amalgam has been in use since the 1800s because it is sturdy, and easy for the dentist to work with. However, current generation composite filling materials rival the strength and durability of amalgam, without the metallic color and without mercury. The price is comparable, and most insurance plans pay a significant portion of the cost.

To replace amalgam or not to replace . . . that is the question

An increasing number of people are choosing to have amalgam fillings replaced with metal-free restorations, but it is a personal choice.

Here are some points to consider if you are thinking about a silver-free smile:

  • If an amalgam cracks or comes out, the filling must be replaced. There is no downside to switching to a white filling.
  • It is not an “all or nothing” decision. You may decide to have just the most noticeable amalgams replaced, at least initially.
  • Metal fillings transfer temperature. If you are experiencing problems with sensitivity, having fillings replaced with composite may improve or resolve the issue.
  • Metal conducts heat and expands at a different rate than natural tooth structure. In some cases, this can contribute to cracked teeth.
  • Composites reduce wear on opposing teeth, since hardness is similar to enamel.

At Life Smiles Dental Care, composite fillings come with a two-year limited warranty against chips, leakage, or cavities for patients who maintain hygiene visits. In the Phoenix area call (602) 786-5484.

Dr. Paul Nielson, DDS, MAGD earned a zoology degree from Brigham Young University before completing dental studies at University of Washington, Seattle. He has practiced dentistry for over a decade, and has followed continuing education to exceed the state’s licensing requirements. He’s a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry and holds membership in many professional associations. He’s especially interested in implant, cosmetic and sedation dentistry; and full mouth rehabilitation.
Dr. Timothy Schmidt, DMD, FAGD studied in Utah and Oregon, before serving at University of Washington School of Dentistry as an affiliate instructor. Then he returned to Arizona to serve his local community. As a member of several prestigious dental organizations, he aims to provide comfortable treatments delivering natural-looking and long-lasting results. He aims to raise dental healthcare standards through ongoing education, new technologies and by listening to patients’ concerns.
Dr. Jared Bishop earned his undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University in Utah, after which he completed his dental school training at Midwestern University in Glendale. Having completed a 1 year residency, Dr. Bishop was also honored to practice dentistry in the U.S. Army for 5 years. As a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Arizona Dental Association, Dr. Bishop keeps up with current dental technology, techniques, and materials to provide his patients with the highest standard of care.


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