28
May
Rethink the Metal: Why More Patients in Berthoud Are Choosing Composite Fillings
Dental care should never compromise your health to fix a problem—it should support healing in the most biologically safe and effective way possible. At Owens Dental Berthoud in Berthoud, Colorado, we believe in restoring teeth using materials that are durable, functional, safe for your body, and aligned with your long-term wellness. That’s why many of our patients are choosing to replace old amalgam fillings or select mercury-free options right from the start.
What’s the difference between amalgam and composite fillings—and why does it matter?
Traditional amalgam fillings contain a mix of metals, including mercury, a substance that raises valid concerns for many health-conscious patients. Composite fillings, on the other hand, are made from a strong, tooth-colored resin that bonds directly to your tooth. Not only do composites avoid the use of mercury altogether, but they also preserve more of your natural tooth structure and blend seamlessly with your smile.
Why doesn’t Owens Dental use mercury-based fillings?
We’ve chosen a mercury-free philosophy for a reason: your body deserves better. Mercury is a known neurotoxin, and although it’s still permitted in dentistry, we believe avoiding it is the responsible choice for our patients and our community. All our materials are biocompatible, meaning they’re designed to work in harmony with your body, not just your teeth.
Are composite fillings strong enough to last?
Today’s composite materials are remarkably resilient. They can last a decade or more when placed with care and supported by regular oral hygiene. Unlike amalgam, composites flex more naturally with your teeth and reduce the risk of cracking, which helps extend the life of your restoration while keeping your natural tooth healthier longer.
What is the SMART protocol, and how does it make mercury removal safer?
If you’re considering replacing old amalgam fillings, safety matters. That’s why we follow the SMART protocol—short for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique—developed by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). We use advanced filtration, high-volume suction, protective barriers, and certified techniques to ensure minimal exposure to mercury vapor for you, our team, and the environment.
How do I know when it’s time to replace my silver fillings?
Some signs are visible, like cracks, staining, or sensitivity. But even if your fillings seem intact, you might want to replace them for health, safety, or aesthetics. We offer personalized assessments that look at your oral and overall health to help you decide if upgrading to composite is the right next step.
Your dental health is part of a bigger picture—one that includes your whole-body well-being. To explore safe, modern alternatives to outdated metal fillings, call Owens Dental Berthoud in Berthoud, Colorado, at (970) 444-5464. We’re here to help you smile brighter, safer, and with full peace of mind.
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Dr. Tim Owens
Dr. Tim Owens is a highly skilled and compassionate dentist, known for his holistic approach to dental care. After earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 2004, he pursued further training in general dentistry at the University of Utah School of Medicine. With a background in physical therapy, he integrates this unique discipline into his dental practice. Dr. Owens is an active member of the IAOMT and a certified provider of Ozone Therapy, ensuring his patients receive biologic treatments that promote both oral and overall health. He is also pursuing certification in Biologic Dentistry and the SMART technique for mercury removal.
His affiliations include the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, and the Colorado Dental Association, among others.
Why People Love Owens Dental Berthoud
She used to come to Dr. Owens because the level of care and service that I have received here for almost over 10 years has been exceptional. I feel that I’m valued as a patient. You know, you personally feel like it’s a lot of family values, the office makes you feel like you’re in a large city, you feel like you’re in a local dentist office, that we’re not with receptionists but all the dental hygienists knowing my name. They’ve made me feel welcomed and remembered. They always remember my name or something that we talked about the last time I was in. The atmosphere is very relaxed. They make you feel really comfortable, they make you feel like a friend. Everything is always kind of fun here, it’s professional but it’s also fun and very calming. I always feel extremely comfortable here. Fundamentally you forget you’re at the dentist you know everybody they give you a sense that they know you. Always happy to see you and we come in the back for your examination of procedure. They treat you like an individual and it’s always very professional and very relaxed you know, are you okay, can I get you anything. They would ask if you are comfortable, is there anything I can get you. Everyone always asks if you need anything, can I help you with anything, and to me that’s very important. Dr. Owens and his team have explained all the procedures thoroughly to me which is aided in me being very comfortable. I have some unique dental problems and Dr. Owens approached me very cautiously but you know annoyingly about it you know I knew by myself so I really appreciate that and never pushed anything which I thought was very impressive. Everybody knows me and addresses me by name and they make me feel comfortable in the front office they’ve boys taking care of the billing. Everybody is aware of what’s going on and they work well together and always enjoy coming in here. My name is Lynn, my name is Valerie, I’m a certified public accountant, I’m a retired teacher of 23 years, I’m a massage therapist and a graphic designer, I’m a patient of Dr. Owens, and I am a patient of Dr. Owens, and I’m a patient of Dr. Owens and always will be.
My smile I wasn’t happy with it. I consider myself an attractive person and I’m a happy person and my smile just didn’t match the inside. I was a little apprehensive. I was kind of always kind of like keeping my lip down. I wasn’t really self-conscious about my smile. It was just not what I wanted it to be so I went on Google and found Dr. Owens and came here and I was very happy I did. A number of people were telling me, especially my wife, that your teeth are kind of crooked and jagged and everything and so at some point a man, maybe they have a point and I should do something. I felt very insecure and not very confident with my smile. I just felt like yellow. I wanted to replace the front four and as long as we were doing it I said I want them to be beautiful -it was time – it was time – it was time to make a change there was no pain involved it was just it was just a really great process for me I it was so smooth and so easy and I would have done this ten years ago if I would have known it was so easy. It’s boosted a lot of confidence that I have and I can’t believe how many compliments I get out of my smiles. It’s just made a whole difference in how I feel when I perform because I feel like my smile is beautiful because when I sing and when I perform that’s what you see is my smile. But my new smile I feel wakes me up from my job. I can just be myself and not cover my smile anymore. I’m always kind of a happy-go-lucky guy so my smile got even better, but mostly because my wife got the feeling that it was much more beautiful, and happy. You know you’re not as much hiding behind you know you’re smiling white and yeah, you’re just happier and more confident I would say. After I had my teeth done, I was on a dating site and after I had my teeth done and I put up new pictures, boy my dating life picked up a ton. So, you know men are all about the smile. It really has just changed not who I am but it’s changed the reflection of who I am which is exactly what I was after. People are, you know, wondering will it really change my life? Will it really make a difference? It made a huge difference for me.