dental bonding Archives - Dentistry by Brooksher

My Dental Bonding Is Peeling Off After Two Months

Posted on October 22, 2024 by AllSmiles.

After my dentist’s four attempts to hide fluorosis stains on my teeth, the bonding is still the wrong color. I’ve had so many bonding attempts that the most recent bonding that my dentist did in August is starting to peel. My dentist wants to try again, but I am afraid that all the etching of my teeth is going to ruin the enamel. Then, I will have spotted teeth with little enamel left. Is it time to switch dentists? Is it unrealistic to think the fluorosis stains will improve? Thanks, Jasyn

Jasyn,

Your current dental situation, characterized by poorly executed dental bonding and fluorosis, requires careful consideration and appropriate treatment.

What Is Fluorosis?

Fluorosis is a condition resulting from excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development. Mild fluorosis causes subtle white spots on the teeth, while severe cases may involve brown discoloration and pitting.

The Failed Bonding Procedure

The inadequate bonding procedure you’ve experienced indicates subpar dental work. The fact that the bonding fell off suggests you need a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist.

Addressing Fluorosis and Achieving Optimal Results

Close-up photo of a male patient’s lips and teeth after dental bonding. Teeth that were dark, worn, chipped, and uneven are now white, even, and expressive.

Dental bonding by Steven Brooksher, DDS

A skilled cosmetic dentist can use dental bonding techniques to treat fluorosis and restore teeth. The dentist must remove the discolored enamel and apply composite resin material that mimics the appearance of natural teeth. By carefully selecting and layering the composite, the dentist can achieve natural-looking results

A successful bonding procedure relies on proper etching and bonding techniques. Etching the enamel creates a microscopically rough surface that allows the bonding agent to adhere to your teeth. In cases of severe fluorosis, longer etching time may be needed. The bonding agent, when cured, forms a strong bond with the tooth structure, ensuring the longevity of the restoration.

Given the complexities of your case, we recommend consulting an experienced cosmetic dentist to address the aesthetic and functional aspects of your dental needs.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge-accredited cosmetic dentist and a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, sponsors this post.

My Dental Bonding Makes Fluorosis Stains Look Worse

Posted on December 15, 2023 by AllSmiles.

It might be hard to believe, but my dentist’s dental bonding job worsened my fluorosis stains. The bonding color is uneven, the stains still show through, and the bonding is peeling off. The day 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 implies that I must grind my teeth or have a habit of 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. Bonding should not fall off, but how long should it last? Is it unrealistic to expect bonding to stay on fluorosis-stained teeth? I will try again with another dentist if my dentist gives me a refund. Thank you. Alicia

Alicia

We are sorry to hear about your experience. It is frustrating when you are excited about a solution for your teeth, but the results worsen things. Without 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 information on fluoride supplements and toothpaste use.

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

Porcelain veneer

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 for fluorosis stains.

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

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 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

Consult an advanced cosmetic dentist if you want your fluorosis stains concealed without anyone noticing your dental work.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post.

Do I Need Invisalign to Close a Tooth Gap?

Posted on December 11, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My dentist started doing Invisalign two years ago, so last week, I asked him for Invisalign to close a small gap between my teeth. He did the 3D scan and found other minor issues with the alignment of my teeth. He is recommending upper and lower aligners. The whole process is going to take just over a year. I told my dentist that minor alignment issues with my teeth are less important than closing the gap. I only want to close the gap for now. Maybe I shouldn’t have gone into the office asking for Invisalign. My dentist mumbled something about veneers. I looked online at the cost; they are almost as expensive as Invisalign. How can I convince him only to correct my upper teeth with Invisalign? – Thanks. Harper from SC

Harper – A dentist who insists that Invisalign® is the only way to close a small gap lacks the skill and artistic ability to conceal the gap with dental composite.

Do You Need Invisalign to Close a Tooth Gap?

Clear aligners or dental bonding can close a tooth gap.

Brace, Invisalign, and other clear aligners, including ClearCorrect®, are not the only way to close a gap. Although cosmetic dentists may provide Invisalign, they may use bonding technology to close small gaps between teeth when appropriate.

Dental Bonding vs. Invisalign to Close a Gap

Dental bonding is easier, faster, and cheaper than Invisalign to close small gaps between teeth. However, only an advanced cosmetic dentist can make your teeth look proportionate and match the bonding with your natural teeth.

Artistic cosmetic dentists mix shades of composite to mimic the characteristics of your natural teeth. This process results in highly accurate, long-lasting bonding.

We suggest looking for an advanced cosmetic dentist to skillfully close the gap with bonding. Search a few cosmetic dentists’ websites and look for patient photos of their work with composite bonding.

Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Read a related post to understand why adulthood is not too late to close a tooth gap.

My Dental Bonding Is Peeling

Posted on September 29, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My dentist whitened my teeth and later placed bonding on them last February to hide fluorosis stains. The color still wasn’t right after three tries, so I let it go. I figured I would keep the bonding because my dentist said it would last five years. After that, I planned to find another dentist to replace it. But within the past week, the bonding started peeling off like old paint. This is so embarrassing. I called my dentist, who said bonding on fluorosis sometimes doesn’t stick to your teeth. He never mentioned that the bonding might peel before he placed it. Now, I am concerned that I must live with these stains. If my dentist cannot get this right, what are my options? Thank you. Jay

Jay,

We are sorry to hear about your experience with dental bonding from your dentist. Fortunately, you have options for concealing fluorosis stains, but you cannot rely on your dentist for them.

Types of Fluorosis Stains

Fluorosis stains occur from consuming too much fluoride as a child while your teeth are still developing. Tooth stains are white in mild to moderate cases and brown in severe cases. The stains usually affect the tooth enamel only.

How Do You Conceal Fluorosis Stains?

Concealing fluorosis stains in teeth is one of the most challenging aspects of cosmetic dentistry. Depending on the stains and condition of your teeth, an advanced cosmetic dentist may recommend dental bonding or porcelain veneers.

Dental bonding

Applying dental bonding to tooth enamel securely requires these steps:
Etch the tooth enamel
Rinse and dry the enamel
Apply a liquid bonding agent to the tooth and use a curing light to cure it
Place the composite over the cured bonding

At least your dentist bleached your teeth before applying bonding, even though the color did not stay on. Bleaching teeth first is essential to matching bonding to your natural teeth. Whitening is an effective way to refresh your smile.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneer

After removing a conservative amount of tooth enamel, a cosmetic dentist will complete these steps:

Take impressions of your teeth
Provide a wax-up of your veneers
Make temporary veneers for you to wear
After you approve the temporary veneers, send pictures and instructions to a dental ceramist to make the final product
Try the veneers on your teeth to ensure you are delighted with your smile makeover

His Dental Bonding Couldn’t Look Worse

Posted on September 15, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My 11-year-old son’s dental bonding couldn’t look worse. He fell two weeks ago and broke both front teeth. Fortunately, he was at school, and it was a weekday, so we could get to our general dentist within an hour. The dentist was helpful and took X-rays. He said he could fill in both teeth with dental bonding, which he did two days later. The bonding looks like lumpy instant oatmeal. The color and texture are wrong. My son cried and is so embarrassed that he wouldn’t smile. Fortunately, he has not been teased, but then he makes sure no one can see his teeth when talking. I need this corrected, but I won’t relieve my son’s anxiety about letting our dentist try again. On top of that, we were planning to start clear braces for my son in two years. I don’t want to waste money on bonding if it won’t work. Where do we start? – Thanks. Zach from IL

Zach,

We are sorry to hear about your son’s accident and embarrassing dental bonding.

Your dentist chose the right treatment option to fill in your son’s teeth. Unfortunately, the dentist is not skilled enough to produce aesthetic results with dental bonding. Especially when a large portion of a tooth is broken, a dentist must have an in-depth understanding of dental composite and artistic skills. So, although your dentist knew how to fix the problem, he couldn’t make it look natural.

We encourage you to get a second opinion from an advanced, preferably accredited, cosmetic dentist. Please don’t do otherwise because a dentist may recommend dental crowns for your son, which is a mistake for two reasons:

The pulp in a child’s tooth can be close to the surface, and grinding the tooth down for a dental crown can damage the pulp, requiring root canal treatment.

Your son is still growing, so the tooth will erupt further. The margin between the crown and tooth will show as the tooth erupts. It will be obvious that he has a dental crown.

We recommend searching online for a dentist with post-graduating cosmetic dentistry training who treats adults and children. Explain your concerns with dental bonding for your son’s teeth and your plans to start clear braces within two years. The dentist will explain your son’s options for dental bonding and how cosmetic dentistry can keep his teeth looking great as he grows.

Before and after dental bonding pictures from Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher

Before and after dental bonding photos of Dr. Brooksher’s work

What Are the Options for Hiding Fluorosis Stains in Teeth?

Posted on February 22, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I have dark fluorosis stains on six upper front and side teeth. I know the stains are permanent and that I can get veneers for my teeth to hide the stains. But what are my other options? – Nikki from Charlotte, NC

For our readers- Fluorosis stains can occur when a child’s teeth develop. Too much fluoride can cause irregularities, discoloration, or spots on teeth. If a child consumes too much fluoride, white or brown spots develop on the tooth enamel. Also, pits can form in the teeth.

Nikki –

Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office in Baton Rouge.

What Are the Options for Fluorosis Stains in Teeth?

The options for fluorosis stains in teeth include porcelain veneers and dental bonding. A cosmetic dentist will recommend treatment based on these factors:

The condition of your teeth
The extent of the fluorosis stains
Your budget

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers. Although porcelain veneers are the most expensive option for concealing fluorosis stains, an expert cosmetic dentist can make the veneers look like your natural teeth. People cannot tell the difference between them and your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years.

Composite dental resin (dental bonding). Cosmetic dentists use this tooth-colored material to cover imperfections and discoloration in teeth. Cosmetic dentists know how to manipulate the color and translucency of the resin to match your teeth perfectly. But the composite is less durable and stain resistant than porcelain veneers, lasting about five to eight years.

Teeth bleaching.

Schedule a Fluorosis Stains Consultation

Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist to examine your teeth and explain your options for concealing fluorosis stains in your teeth. In addition to discussing the pros and cons of the treatment, the dentist can explain a cost estimate. You may prefer porcelain veneers over dental bonding if you can afford a longer-lasting result.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post. Request a consultation with Dr. Brooksher today.

My Dental Bonding Is Too Thick

Posted on February 17, 2022 by AllSmiles.

After I chipped my right center tooth and the one behind it last September, my dentist applied bonding on them. But the bonding did not match my teeth. She did the bonding twice, and with her previous attempt, the bonding is tooth thick. I can see and feel the difference. Although my dentist tried to correct it by shaving it down, the tooth still looks thick but distorted in shape. My dentist suggested that we try porcelain veneers to cover the whole tooth, and a lab can contour them. I don’t want my dentist to do any more work on my teeth. Is it too late to start over with another dentist, or will removing the bonding damage my teeth and require veneers? Thank you. Cassie from OK

Cassie,

Thank you for your question. Your thoughts about not letting your dentist do any more work on your teeth are valid. Your dentist’s lack of training and experience with cosmetic work prevents her from giving you natural-looking results.

Natural-Looking Dental Bonding

Natural-looking dental bonding requires advanced training and an artistic eye for a dentist to select mixed colors, textures, and translucence to match your teeth. Then a dentist must apply bonding by hand and sculpt it on your teeth to achieve your natural tooth shape. Few dentists can manage to bond well enough to make it look so realistic that you cannot tell your tooth was ever damaged. More dentists can do a good job but not as well as a trained cosmetic dentist. It seems that your dentist has no cosmetic training at all.

If you want dental bonding instead of veneers, see an advanced cosmetic dentist

We recommend that you search for an advanced, preferably accredited, cosmetic dentist to examine your teeth. A skilled dentist understands how to remove bonding without damaging your teeth and reapply it to match your tooth color and shape. It will not look too thick. And it can prevent the need for porcelain veneers.

If your current dental bonding looks inferior, your dentist should agree and be willing to compensate you instead of offering porcelain veneers. You may request a refund from your dentist and hope she is reasonable.

Best wishes on a smooth resolution.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge, Louisiana cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

Will removing and reapplying dental bonding damage my teeth?

Posted on September 12, 2021 by AllSmiles.

My dentist and I agreed to a treatment plan that would end with Invisalign treatment. I wanted to feel better about my teeth before I started Invisalign. So, my dentist whitened my teeth and replaced old dental bonding. But the color of the bonding does not match my white teeth.

Some of the bonding is near the gumline, and it feels rough and looks gross. When my dentist finished the work, I immediately noticed that the bonding color was off. I told her about it, and she agreed that she did not match the color. After two attempts, she still cannot get it right. I want to begin Invisalign treatment, so I am willing to see another dentist to redo the bonding and go back to my dentist for Invisalign. Will repeatedly removing and reapplying bonding damage my teeth? Thank you. Elliana from Missouri

Elliana,

Thank you for your inquiry. We are sorry to hear about your disappointing experience with dental bonding, especially when looking forward to starting Invisalign treatment.

Correcting Mismatched Dental Bonding

When dental bonding does not match your natural teeth, you may have two options for correcting the color.

Resurfacing – A cosmetic dentist might be able to remove some of the surfaces of the bonding and apply another color of composite
Replacing – Cosmetic dentists use dental burs that can remove bonding without damaging your tooth structure. Afterward, the dentist can apply fresh bonding

Dental Bonding Near Your Gumline

When you need dental bonding near your gumline, abfraction lesions, or notches, are usually the cause. Enamel near the gumline can wear away and leave sensitive notches on your teeth. Lesions are most often caused by clenching your teeth. Pressure from clenching weakens teeth. A dentist who uses bonding to conceal lesions and protect tooth roots must consider these factors:

Stiff bonding can loosen or pop out as your teeth flex
Flexible composite bends with pressure on teeth and can help fillings stay in place
If you clench or grind your teeth, a dentist can make a custom nighttime mouth guard to minimize the habit and protect your teeth

If you are unsure of your dentist’s ability to replace your dental bonding and match your natural teeth this time, schedule a consultation with a skilled cosmetic dentist. You will get natural-looking results. Best wishes on a resolution and a smooth transition to Invisalign.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, sponsors this post.

I thought I was getting a smile makeover

Posted on November 26, 2020 by AllSmiles.

Although my dentist said she could use dental bonding to give me a smile makeover, it didn’t work out. She was supposed to fill in gaps and chips in my teeth. My teeth looked and felt bulky, and they caused me to pronounce some words with a whistling sound. I asked my dentist to remove the bonding, and now my teeth are discolored and blotchy. My dentist says that’s just the way my natural teeth look, but I have pictures of my smile before the bonding. And my teeth didn’t look the way they do now. I don’t trust her to do anything else with my teeth. Is the damage permanent? – Danae from MS

Danae,

Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth, your description sounds like your general dentist doesn’t know enough about cosmetic dentistry to give you a smile makeover.

Bulky Dental Bonding

A cosmetic dentist uses dental bonding to fill in or conceal imperfections in your teeth. If you had chips and wear on your teeth, a cosmetic dentist would apply bonding to those areas and seamlessly blend in it with your natural teeth. But your dentist made your teeth so bulky that it affected your speech. It sounds like your dentist overdid it and applied bonding on the entire surface of each tooth.

Although some dentists can apply bonding to conceal a chip, it takes advanced training in aesthetics and artistic talent to create a smile makeover with dental bonding. A dentist must have the right tools and a variety of shades of composite to blend, match your teeth, and give you beautiful results.

Removing Dental Bonding

Advanced cosmetic dentists use specific tolls to remove dental bonding without damaging your tooth enamel. Three instruments a cosmetic dentist might use to remove bonding include:

Sandpaper disc
High-speed carbide drill
Air abrasion

Dental bonding smile makeover before and after photos from Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge, LA

Accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Brooksher used dental bonding for this beautiful smile makeover

But if a dentist grinds off composite without noticing where it ends and where your tooth enamel begins, it’s easy to remove the enamel mistakenly. Before treatment, trained cosmetic dentists take pictures of your teeth. And they take “after” photos so you can see how the treatment improved your smile.

Although you can show your dentist photos of your smile, she probably won’t be able to restore your teeth and give you the smile makeover you want. But the pictures will back up your claims of faulty work and a request for a refund.

Get a Dental Bonding Second Opinion

Ask friends or family members if they know an experienced cosmetic dentist. Otherwise, you can search online for a dentist with accreditation in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or the American Academy of Dental Esthetics. If it increases your comfort, you can schedule consultations with two cosmetic dentists to discuss your smile goals and treatment options for a successful smile makeover.

This post is sponsored by Steven Brooksher, DDS, a Baton Rouge dentist and accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.