Metal-Free Dentistry

What is metal-free dentistry?

Metal-free dentistry means using non-metallic materials for dental work such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and the parts of implant restorations that show above the gum. Patients who ask about metal-free care usually want to avoid mercury amalgam fillings, nickel, and other metal alloys in their mouth.

At Harmony Dental Care in West Covina, we offer metal-free options for the procedures we perform. The main materials are:

• Composite resin fillings. These are tooth-colored fillings that replace decayed tooth structure without mercury or metal alloys.
• All-ceramic and zirconia crowns. These ceramic crowns are made to match the color and translucency of natural teeth. Zirconia is a strong ceramic that many patients choose for back teeth.
• Porcelain bridges. These all-ceramic bridges replace missing teeth without a metal base underneath.
• BPA-free composite materials. We use composite resins that are free of BPA and other chemicals that some patients ask about.

Who is metal-free dentistry for?

Metal-free care is a personal choice. Many of our patients are health-conscious adults who want to avoid mercury and other metals in their dental work. Others have been told they may be sensitive to metals, or they simply prefer tooth-colored materials that blend in with the rest of their smile.

Patients from Charter Oak, Walnut, and Valinda visit our West Covina office for metal-free fillings and crowns. Patients from across the eastern San Gabriel Valley and the greater Los Angeles area also come to us for this kind of care.

If you have a question about a specific metal concern, your dentist will review your history, your current fillings, and your goals with you before recommending a plan. There is no single right answer for every mouth, and we will explain the options that fit your situation.

Looking for metal-free implant restorations?

Many patients searching for metal-free implants want to know which parts of the restoration are non-metallic. Our metal-free approach covers implant restorations, so the crown placed on an implant can be made from non-metallic materials. Dr. Nguyen will explain the materials available for your case at your consultation.

What to expect at your visit

Your first visit usually starts with a complete exam. Dr. Nguyen or Dr. Khaef will look at your teeth, gums, and bite, and take digital X-rays when needed. You will be able to see your images on a screen and ask questions about what they show.

If you are planning to replace old metal fillings, the dentist will talk with you about the steps before anything is removed. We take care to protect your comfort during old filling removal. Our team offers local anesthetic, numbing gel, warm blankets, and noise-canceling headphones so your visit is as relaxed as possible.

For crowns and bridges, the typical steps are:

1. Exam and planning. Your dentist reviews your X-rays, your bite, and your goals.
2. Digital impressions. We use digital scanning instead of traditional impression trays for many patients.
3. Preparation and placement. Your dentist prepares the tooth and places a temporary restoration when needed.
4. Final restoration. The final ceramic or composite restoration is placed and adjusted so it fits your bite.

For some crowns, we offer same-day CEREC crowns, which are milled in the office. Your dentist will tell you whether this option fits your treatment, since not every case is suited to same-day work.

The length of your treatment depends on how many teeth need work and what materials you choose. Your dentist will give you an estimated timeline during your visit.

How much does metal-free dentistry cost in West Covina?

The cost of metal-free dentistry depends on the treatment. A simple tooth-colored filling costs less than a ceramic crown or a porcelain bridge, and replacing several old metal restorations will cost more than a single filling. Your dentist will explain the fee for your plan of care before you agree to any treatment.

We offer a $59 New Patient Special for new patients without insurance. It includes a comprehensive exam, digital X-rays, and a professional cleaning. This is a good way to learn about your teeth and talk with the team before you decide on any restorative work.

Does dental insurance cover metal-free fillings and crowns?

Insurance coverage depends on your specific plan, your benefit maximum, and how your plan defines the procedure. Some plans cover tooth-colored fillings and ceramic crowns in full or in part, while others have limits or do not cover certain materials. We cannot promise what your plan will pay, but we can help you find out before your visit.

Harmony Dental Care accepts:

• PPO and Indemnity plans, including most major dental insurance carriers
• Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal
• Smile California
• CalOptima dental, which is direct provider care with no referral needed
• Many Medicare Advantage dental plans, including Delta Dental, DeltaCare HMO, and Blue Shield of California Medicare D-SNP

You can also ask about other plans on the list shown on our insurance page. Our team handles authorizations and claims for Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal, and Smile California.

We offer a complimentary insurance eligibility check before your visit. We will review your benefits with you so you know what to expect before treatment starts. Our team can also give you a clear cost breakdown for your planned care.

Payment options

If you do not have insurance, or your plan does not cover the full cost, we offer several payment options:

• Flexible financing with monthly payment plans for elective and major procedures
• CareCredit
• Sunbit
• Alpheon
• Credit cards
• An in-house membership plan

Ask our team about the options that fit your budget during your visit.

Aftercare for metal-free restorations

After a filling, crown, or bridge is placed, most patients can return to normal eating once the numbness wears off. Your dentist will tell you if you should avoid chewing on one side for a short time or avoid very hard foods for a while.

Keep brushing twice a day and flossing daily to protect the teeth around your restoration. Regular checkups and cleanings help your dentist check the fit and the edges of each restoration over time.

If you notice a sharp edge, a change in your bite, or sensitivity that does not settle, call the office. Our team will tell you whether you should come in for a quick adjustment.

Why patients choose Harmony Dental Care

Harmony Dental Care has been serving West Covina for 20 years. Our practice focuses on metal-free restorations, cosmetic work, and family care in one office.

• Full metal-free menu. We offer metal-free options for fillings, crowns, bridges, and implant restorations.
• Experienced dentists. Dr. Nguyen, a DMD, leads our restorative and metal-free work. Dr. Khaef is also part of our team. Our clinical team also brings experience in implant dentistry, cosmetic procedures, restorative care, periodontics, endodontics, and pediatric dentistry.
• Modern technology. We use 3D CBCT imaging, iTero digital scanning, CEREC same-day crown milling, and digital X-rays.
• Clear communication. We explain each option, including what it costs and what your insurance may cover, before you decide.

Our reviews, which we display on our site, mention the team’s patience and how carefully the dentists explain each step.

How to book your metal-free dental visit

We are welcoming new patients. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and we are closed on Saturday and Sunday.

To schedule your first visit, call (626) 858-3305 or book online. When you call, you can ask for a complimentary insurance eligibility check, or ask about the $59 New Patient Special if you do not have insurance.

Harmony Dental Care 148 N Grand Ave, West Covina, CA 91791