My Dental Bonding Is Too Thick

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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.

Photo of the tip of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneer; from the Baton Rouge office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.

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?

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Brunette woman with her hands covering her mouth - for info on repeat dental bonding and Invisalign from Dr. Brookser in Baton RougeMy 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.