Bioclear Archives - Dental Loft

Should I Choose a Crown Or Bonding For My Broken Tooth?

Posted on March 15, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My left front tooth is half broken. It’s been that way for about three years now. I haven’t had any trouble with it, but I’ve put off getting it fixed. I’ve seen two dentists for opinions on the best way to fix it. One of the dentists recommends a crown because it’s a front tooth. She said that the bonding would wear quickly and would need frequent replacing. The second dentist recommended bonding. He said that it would last about 10 years. These opinions are entirely different. Can you give me some advice on this? – Carlton, Avondale, AZ

Carlton –

Thank you for your question. A dental crown, bonding, or a porcelain veneer can conceal the imperfections in your tooth. However, the treatment that a cosmetic dentist would depend on the factors:

Tooth’s condition
Tooth’s location
The extent of the break

We will compare treatment options.

Should You Choose Bonding or a Crown for a Broken Tooth?

Model of a dental crown, for info on Dallas, TX same-day crowns

A same-day crown is best for back teeth

Whether you choose dental bonding, a crown or a porcelain veneer for a broken tooth depends on your treatment options for preserving the tooth. We will compare the treatments.

Dental bonding – It is less expensive than a porcelain crown or a porcelain veneer. A dentist can complete the restoration in one appointment. But dental bonding is suitable for front teeth and requires the skill of an artistic cosmetic dentist who can manipulate and layer the bonding to match the color and translucency of your natural teeth. A skilled cosmetic dentist can apply bonding so well that people cannot tell you have a broken tooth.
Porcelain crowns – Porcelain is more durable and stain-resistant than dental boning. A single porcelain crown is best for a severely broken tooth that a dentist cannot restore with dental bonding or a porcelain veneer. Back teeth require a dental crown. A dental crown requires shaving all sides of a tooth to reshape it and ensure the crown fits well. A dental crown on a front tooth must match the natural front tooth beside it; otherwise, it will be easy to tell that it is not your natural tooth. This treatment also requires the expertise of an artistic cosmetic dentist. It can take two weeks or more for your dentist to collaborate with a dental lab for a custom crown.
Porcelain veneer – A porcelain veneer requires removing a small amount of tooth enamel from the front of the tooth. Preparation ensures the veneer fits your tooth without protruding and causing an uneven smile. A cosmetic dentist works with a dental ceramist to create a custom crown in about two weeks—sometimes longer. A porcelain veneer is more expensive than dental bonding or a crown.

Regardless of your chosen treatment, a skilled cosmetic dentist can give you beautiful results. We recommend looking for at least two advanced cosmetic dentists and scheduling consultations to discuss your options.

Dr. Claudia Vargas, a Dallas, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.

Why Does a Dentist Need to Etch My Teeth for Bonding?

Posted on October 15, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I don’t want my enamel touched at all. My family dentist said she must etch my teeth for dental bonding. Is this something I can avoid if I see another dentist? Thanks, Melanie from Pompano Beach, FL

Melanie,

Thank you for contacting Dental Loft. We understand your concerns about preserving healthy tooth structure. Tooth etching for dental bonding is conservative.

Is Etching Required for Dental Bonding?

Etching your teeth is a necessary step of dental bonding. The etching is microscopic and roughens the enamel so the bonding will adhere to it. If a dentist does not etch your teeth, the risks include the following:

Decay can get between the cosmetic bonding and your teeth
The bonding will eventually fall off.
Your dentist will need to redo the bonding.

Repeating the bonding process is something you want to avoid; etching helps prevent it.

How Does a Dentist Etch Teeth for Bonding?

A dentist can etch teeth using the following:

A dental instrument
Phosphoric acid
A dental tool and phosphoric acid

Etching removes a microscopically thin layer of enamel yet roughens the enamel enough for successful bonding.

A skilled cosmetic dentist knows to etch teeth conservatively. Over-etching can demineralize tooth dentin (the layer beneath the enamel), reduce the strength of the dental bonding, and make it difficult for the bonding to adhere to the tooth.

How to Increase Your Confidence in Dental Bonding

You can increase your confidence in dental bonding by learning more about your dentist’s etching method. You can express your concerns and ask questions to learn more about the minimal about of enamel your dentist will remove before applying the bonding. If you still have reservations, consider receiving a second opinion from an experienced cosmetic dentist who will provide you with more information. Etching is an essential phase of the bonding process regardless of your chosen provider. You can decide which provider you trust to give you the most conservative treatment and long-lasting, natural-looking results.

Dallas, Texas, dentist Dr. Claudia Vargas sponsors this post. At Dental Loft, we use Bioclear flowable composite for beautiful bonding work.

Before and after Bioclear flowable composite pictures

Bioclear flowable composite produces beautiful results with dental bonding.

Is It Too Late to Save My Loose Tooth?

Posted on April 24, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Is it too late to save my loose tooth? I tripped over a cement parking space block and fell face forward. That was two weeks ago, and now I am starting to feel that my left front tooth is loose. I chipped two other teeth, but they do not hurt. I was flossing two nights ago and thought the tooth was loose, but now, I am sure. My regular dentist is almost 45 minutes away, but I have not seen him for four years. Is this something I should see an emergency dentist for, or can I schedule with my regular dentist to be referred to an oral surgeon? – Thank you. Daniel W. from Macon, GA

Daniel,

Thank you for your question.

If your tooth is loose, you have a dental emergency. It is best to see your dentist, but find a nearby experienced dentist who takes emergency cases if the distance is a problem.

What Is the Treatment for a Loose Tooth?

Before treating a loose tooth, your dentist will examine and x-ray it. They can stabilize the tooth by splinting it or bonding it to adjacent teeth. Splinting or bonding will help tooth ligaments to heal on their own. A dentist will also check your tooth for internal damage. If the tooth pulp is affected, you will need root canal treatment to remove the dying tooth pulp after the ligaments heal. Root canal treatment will prevent infection and further problems with the tooth. The dentist will protect your tooth with a dental crown.

Until you see your dentist, take these precautions:

Avoid chewing on the damaged tooth.
Do not touch it or wiggle it.
Do not floss between it.
Eat soft food.
Take anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and promote healing.

Bioclear Clinic photos of root overlay, black triangle closure, and incisal overlay with Bioclear, which is available in Dallas, TX from Rehka Reddy, DDS.

Bioclear flowable composite produces natural-looking results

If your tooth ligaments are mildly damaged, it will take a few weeks to heal. More extensive damage can take months. You will have periodic checkups to ensure the healing is progressing well. Closely follow your dentist’s instructions for caring for your tooth after the dentist stabilizes. In time, you can decide if you want your dentist to apply dental bonding to fill in the spaces for your two chipped teeth.

Dr. Rekha Reddy, a Dallas, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.

Tired of my dental bonding staining every two years

Posted on October 31, 2021 by AllSmiles.

I am tired of my dental bonding on my front teeth staining every two years. The bonding is on my center teeth and the ones on either side of them. I’ve had the same dentist since 2002, and she does the bonding for me. But it stains within two years – without fail. It’s almost like my dentist knows when the bonding is about to stain. She says that I cannot whiten the bonding at home. I read online that quality bonding should last a few years. I do not smoke or drink alcohol, tea, coffee, or dark juices. So why is this happening? I am beginning to wonder if my dentist uses some inferior product. Is there anything I can do at home to prevent my bonding from staining every two years? – Thank you. Dashira

Thank you for choosing our office for your question, Dashira.

Can You Whiten Your Dental Bonding at Home?

Although bleaching products will not whiten dental bonding, you can try a non-abrasive toothpaste gentle on cosmetic dentistry. Supersmile is a brand that minimizes surface stains on dental bonding and helps keep it bright If you use bleaching products, they will whiten your natural teeth and make your bonding look worse.

Why Is Your Bonding Staining?

If your dental bonding stains every two years to the extent of requiring replacement, your dentist may be using inferior products. Or your dentist may not understand proper bonding techniques. It takes an artistic cosmetic dentist to place high-quality bonding and do it well.

Bioclear® flowable composite lasts for years

A cosmetic dentist might polish your current bonding to improve the stains, or they may need to replace it. Many advanced cosmetic dentists use flowable dental composite for precise results. Flowable composites are heated, confined to a form-fitting mold around your teeth. The composite hardens on your teeth as one unit for long-lasting results.

Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.

Rekha Reddy, DDS of Dallas, TX, sponsors this post.

My new dental bonding looks worse than the old

Posted on August 28, 2021 by AllSmiles.

About ten years ago, I got dental bonding on my two front teeth. The bonding filled in chips on both teeth. I decided to refresh the bonding since it was beginning to look yellow. Although my dentist was so confident that she could do the bonding, it is the wrong color. The bonding is stark white and looks a bit grainy. My dentist’s answer is it looks better than the old bonding.

Also, one tooth is longer than the other, so I asked her to save it down. Unfortunately, she shaved it too short. So, I have bonding that is too white, grainy, and one tooth is too short. Now my dentist says that sometimes it’s challenging to get bonding to match teeth perfectly. That’s her way of saying that she does not know what she is doing. This is shameful. My dentist asked me to let her try again, but this whole process is making me anxious. Other than this bonding work, I have loved my dentist. Is bonding that difficult? Should I give her another chance? Thank you. Jacqueline from Bronx, NY

Jacqueline,

Thank you for your question. Yes, bonding can be challenging for most dentists to complete—especially with front teeth. Dental bonding is an art. And dentists need training to understand which tools, materials, and techniques produce results that look real. Applying bonding to teeth is like painting a beautiful picture on a canvas. It takes time and skill.

Getting Bonding to Match on Front Teeth

Getting bonding to match on front teeth begins with a cosmetic dentist for several reasons:

Cosmetic dentists who are skilled with bonding stock materials of varying color, texture, and translucence.
They understand how to blend the materials to replicate your tooth color, texture, and structure.
Some cosmetic dentists do it so well that you cannot distinguish the bonding from your natural teeth.
Most dentists stick with what they were taught in dental school, which is not enough to give you beautiful results.

Cosmetic dentists also understand how a patient’s smile can affect them emotionally. They listen to the patient, prepare to meet how you want your smile to look, and match your expectations. If you are not happy with your smile, neither is a cosmetic dentist until they get it right.

Schedule a Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation

Before-and-after upper front teeth treated with Bioclear; avaialbe in Dallas, TX from Rehka Reddy, DDS

Bioclear flowable composite beautifully restores front teeth

We recommend scheduling a cosmetic consultation with a dentist who has advanced training in bonding techniques. Some cosmetic dentists use flowable composite for precise, predictable results. Regardless of which option you choose, find a cosmetic dentist who can show you photos of cases like yours and the results you can expect.

Rekha Reddy, DDS of Dallas, TX, sponsors this post.

After internal bleaching, my front tooth is still gray

Posted on June 21, 2021 by AllSmiles.

My dentist bleached my upper right front tooth. I had a root canal on the tooth in 2016, but the tooth darkened, so my dentist bleached it. In certain light, the tooth still looks dark. Regardless of the light, I can tell that the tooth is darker than my left front tooth. I do not want tooth structure removed for a crown or veneer, so I am thinking about a composite veneer on the dark tooth or both front teeth if I need it. My concern is what happens when the bonding gets old. Will a dentist have to grind off tooth enamel every time I need new bonding? Thank you. Japheth from VA

Japheth,

Thank you for your question. Dental bonding is ideal for a slightly discolored tooth. But don’t expect your family dentist to achieve a perfect match. Applying bonding to look natural and match your surrounding teeth requires advanced cosmetic dentist training.

How Long Does Dental Composite Last?

Traditional dental bonding lasts about five years before the surface begins to deteriorate. But advanced dental technology makes flowable composite available. And it can last up to ten years.

Composite for a Discolored Tooth

Regardless of whether you choose traditional or flowable composite, a trained dentist can conceal your dark tooth.

Traditional dental composite steps

A cosmetic dentist will take these steps:

Remove plaque from your teeth
Lightly shave some of your tooth enamel to make room for the bonding material and prevent your teeth from looking bulky
Combine various stints and composites to achieve the right shade and translucence
Apply the composite to your tooth
Shape, harden, and polish the composite

Flowable dental composite steps

Bioclear flowable composite improves tooth shape and color

Flowable composite, like Bioclear, requires special training and certification. A trained cosmetic dentist will use these steps:

Remove plaque from your teeth
Place a mold around each tooth to be treated
Inject etching gel between the mold and tooth to ensure the composite adheres to it
Rinse and dry your tooth
Apply adhesive
Inject warm flowable composite between the mold and your tooth
Add regular composite
Ensure your tooth is the proper shape, size, and shade
Remove the mold and polish your teeth

Consult with an Advanced Cosmetic Dentist

Schedule an appointment with an advanced cosmetic dentist to discuss how composite can lighten your front tooth and match the color of your surrounding teeth.

Cosmetic dentist Rekha Reddy, DDS of Dallas, TX sponsors this post.

My Dental Bonding Makes Fluorosis Stains Look Worse

Posted on April 15, 2021 by AllSmiles.

It might be hard to believe, but my dentist’s dental bonding job made my fluorosis stains look worse. The bonding color is uneven, the stains still show through, and the bonding is peeling off. On the day that I got the bonding, it fell off two teeth the same evening. I returned to my dentist to replace the bonding and told him that the color is off. He added another layer of bonding that fell off. Unfortunately, my dentist is implying that I must grind my teeth or have a habit that is weakening the bonding. He recommended that I wear a night guard. I tried it, but the bonding will not stay on. This situation is more stressful and embarrassing than my fluorosis stains. I know that bonding should not fall off, but is it unrealistic to expect it to stay on fluorosis-stained teeth? I am willing to try again with another dentist if my dentist gives me a refund. Thank you. Jade from OK

Jade,

We are sorry to hear about your experience. It is frustrating when you are excited about a solution for your teeth, but the results make things worse. Without advanced cosmetic dentistry training, fluorosis stains can be challenging to conceal.

What Is Fluorosis?

Dental fluorosis is a condition that results from consuming too much fluoride as a child—while permanent teeth are still developing. Although fluorosis does not affect the health of your teeth, it can spot and discolor them. The stains are usually limited to the tooth enamel and do not affect the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel). See the Center for Disease Control’s website for guidelines on the use of fluoride supplements and toothpaste.

Types of Fluorosis Stains

Fluorosis stains can be mild, moderate, or severe.

Mild fluorosis – White specks, spots, edges, or lines randomly appear on teeth. The stains may be limited or extensive.
Moderate fluorosis – Moderate stains cover a wider area of your teeth. The stains are often brown.
Severe fluorosis – Brown spots or streaks dominate your teeth. Fluorosis can make the tooth surface feel rough.

Concealing Fluorosis Stains

An expert cosmetic dentist can conceal fluorosis stains. After a thorough examination and x-rays, the dentist will let you know the results you can expect from dental bonding vs. porcelain veneers.

Most general or family dentists do not stock the tools and composites to achieve beautiful results. But a cosmetic dentist can get beautiful results with steps like these:

Grind out the discoloration
Bond high-quality composite to replicate your tooth enamel
Apply a base layer that has some opacity
Overlay the base with translucent composite

Bioclear flowable composite beautifully restores teeth

In recent years, advance dental technology introduced heated flowable composite that increases the accuracy and durability of bonding. And the results are beautiful.

Whiten Your Teeth Before Dental Bonding

If you want to whiten your teeth overall, ask your dentist for teeth whitening treatment before composite is applied. Afterward, your dentist will apply bonding that matches your whitened teeth.

Why Does Dental Bonding Fall Off?

Dental bonding falls off due to faulty technique. It requires specific steps to keep it intact:

Etch, rinse, and dry the tooth enamel
When fluorosis stains are severe, increase the etching time
Apply a liquid bonding agent and cure it with a curing light
Place composite over the cured bonding agent

Your dentist must ensure that your bonding is so firmly in place that the only way to remove it is by grinding it off. If your cosmetic dentist does bonding correctly, it will not fall off.

Asking Your Dentist for a Refund on Bad Bonding

You paid for a service that you did not receive. That is the basis for asking your dentist for a refund. Depending on your dentist’s response, you have these options:

Reporting the issue to your dental insurance company
Asking your new dentist for help in requesting a refund
Filing a complaint with the state dental board
Leaving negative online reviews
Hiring an attorney

Schedule a Consultation

If you want your fluorosis stains concealed without anyone noticing your dental work, schedule a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist.

Rekha Reddy, DDS, of Dallas, TX, sponsors this post.

Why is my new dental composite turning yellow?

Posted on December 31, 2020 by AllSmiles.

In February 2020, my dentist did dental bonding on my six upper front teeth. Over the past 15 years, I’ve had composite done every four years. The newest composite is beginning to turn yellow already. Is this something that can polish away or whiten, or will my dentist have to redo it? I want another opinion before hearing what my dentist has to say. Thank you. Maira

Maira,

Thank you for your inquiry.

Some differences between porcelain veneers and the type of composite bonding that most general dentists provide include:

Strength – Porcelain is tough, but composite is soft
Stain resistance – Porcelain is colorfast and resists stains better than tooth enamel. Composite is susceptible to stains, but an advanced cosmetic dentist can usually polish out surface discoloration. Stains that get absorbed into the composite will not polish out.
Longevity – Porcelain veneers can last 15 years or longer, but composite must be replaced or refreshed every five years or so.

Steps to Minimize Composite Staining

You can take preventive care of composite bonding on your teeth. These steps will help you maintain the appearance of your veneers longer.

Choose an expert cosmetic dentist – Although general dentists stock composite for general purposes, advanced cosmetic dentists have a full inventory of composite materials. General-purpose composites are impossible to polish to a high, stain-resistant gloss like tooth enamel. A cosmetic dentist will provide high-quality composite that lasts longer. Some cosmetic dentists offer flowable composite, which forms a stronger bond to your teeth, hardens faster, and finishes with beautiful luster.
Avoid abrasive toothpaste – Choose toothpaste, like Supersmile®, made for cosmetic dentistry work. Although it costs more than other brands, it will not scratch the composite surface and increase the risk of staining.
Ensure your hygienist uses fine abrasive – A dental hygienist should only polish your teeth with a fine abrasive. Hygienists trained to care for composite often use a fine aluminum oxide polish.
Limit how often you drink staining beverages – If you drink dark sodas, wine, or berry juices, swallow them quickly rather than letting them linger in your mouth. Hot drinks like coffee and tea slightly expand composite and more easily leave stains. Drink water or rinse your mouth after drinking staining beverages.

Whether you choose composite or porcelain veneers, you will get the best results from a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training. If your dentist cannot improve the stains in your new composite, consider getting a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist.

Bioclear® flowable composite beautifully restores teeth

Rekha Reddy, DMD, of Houston, TX, sponsors this post.

Can a dentist remove bonding on front teeth without damaging them?

Posted on September 30, 2020 by AllSmiles.

I’m not satisfied with the bonding on my center front teeth. My dentist applied the bonding first in 2012 and again in 2018, but I’m convinced that it’s something she doesn’t do well. I don’t like the idea of disturbing my teeth a third time, but is there a way to remove the composite without damaging my teeth? Thanks. Tyra from Austin

Tyra,

Thanks for your inquiry.

Can a Dentist Remove Bonding Without Damaging Your Teeth?

A dentist can remove bonding without damaging your teeth if the bonding is on your tooth enamel—not the dentin beneath it. It’s relatively easy to remove the bonding.

How Does a Dentist Remove Dental Bonding?

A dentist can remove dental bonding in several ways, including sandpaper discs, high-speed carbide drills, air abrasion, and for finishing, a sand-blasting nozzle.

Sandpaper discs – Some dentists use sandpaper discs, which leave a smooth, highly polished surface. The discs are flexible and bend to accommodate tooth shape.
High-speed carbide drills – When used with light pressure, the drills are faster than sandpaper discs and remove composite without damaging tooth enamel. But they often leave streaks of material on the tooth, so some dentists finish with a sandpaper disc to remove the residue.
Air abrasion – Although most dental offices don’t have air-abrasion equipment, it removes composite with a high-powered stream of air.
Sand-blasting nozzle – Also called a micro-etcher, a sand-blasting nozzle works best as a finishing step—not in the initial phase of removing composite.

High-Tech Flowable Composite

Before you ask a dentist to remove your composite, you may be interested in replacing it with high-tech flowable composite. Bioclear is a system that wraps dental composite around your teeth for precise results and precise form. Heated, flowable composite cures faster, harder, and deeper than hand application. You’ll receive strong, natural-looking results.

Bioclear flowable composite beautifully restores teeth

After you read about Bioclear, if you’re interested, you can find a cosmetic dentist who offers it and schedule a consultation to learn about the results you can expect.

Dr. Rekha Reddy, a Dallas, TX, female dentist, sponsors this post.

Dentist Mismatched Your Dental Bonding? How to Resolve It and Rescue Your Smile

Posted on July 13, 2020 by AllSmiles.

Before dental bonding only of a lady's mile

BEFORE – Gap between front teeth

I’m sending photos that my sister and I think reflect a dental bonding error on her teeth, but her dentist won’t admit it. The dentist hid the gap between my sister’s center front teeth and bonded her lateral incisors to enlarge them. When the dentist showed my sister the results, she immediately noticed the blue/gray shade of her front teeth and that her lateral incisors don’t match her front teeth or the others. The center front teeth and color look good, but the dentist told her that he intentionally made the incisors match her eye teeth. But later, he told her that he used the same material on all four teeth.

After dental bonding photo of a lady's smile

AFTER – Dark lateral incisors

The dentist says he wants further payment to correct it although my sister already paid a little over $1000 for the work. Will you please look at the pictures and let us know if this is a bonding mistake? Thanks for your time. Gabby from Pueblo, CO

Gabby,

It sounds as if your sister’s dentist realizes the mistake he made. In a natural smile, tooth shade should reflect the following:

Central incisors – Whitest shade
Lateral incisors – Slightly lighter
Canines – Slightly lighter than incisors

We attached the photos you sent (they are a little blurry) to this post, and we agree. They reflect a bonding mistake that advanced cosmetic dentists don’t make. Your sister’s two lateral incisors are even darker than her canine teeth. Although you didn’t mention the shape of your sister’s bonded teeth, they look off, in addition to the color mistake.

What to Do After a Dentist’s Bonding Mistake

Ask the dentist to correct it – Although your sister can ask the dentist to correct her tooth shade, it’s clear that her dentist doesn’t have advanced training or skill in cosmetic dentistry. The results she will get are unpredictable, but the dentist should be willing to re-do the composite on the lateral incisors with a shade that’s only slightly darker than the center front teeth.
Get a second opinion – If your sister is uncomfortable with the dentist correcting his work–or if the dentist isn’t willing to do it–your sister
Bioclear flowable composite produces natural-looking results

can get a second opinion from an advanced cosmetic dentist. Bioclear flowable composite is an example of new bonding technology that achieves smooth, even results, and a perfect seal on teeth. But a skilled cosmetic dentist needs to do it. If your sister needs to switch dentists, ask her to do some research on Bioclear and decide if she is interested in a dentist who offers it.

Rekha Reddy, DDS, a female dentist in Dallas, TX, sponsors this post.