Brighten teeth with veneers, Replace old "composite bonding"
This Highland Park, IL patient had old discolored bonding and heavy wear on the backsides of her upper front teeth. Already missing a great deal of the original enamel structure, the patient had a reluctance to do much drilling to what remained of her teeth. E Max porcelain restorations can be created that is thinner and does not require the removal of as much tooth surface as previous versions of ceramic restorations. Custom made shells of wafer thin porcelain were used to wrap partially or to cover the teeth changing the length, shapes, brightness, and surface texture. Our restorations that totally cover the tooth are officially classified as crowns but are much thinner than normal crowns and they are bonded over the teeth. Whether veneers or crowns, they yield beautiful strong stain resistant restorations.
Reshaping your teeth with less drilling
Knowing that she was having her teeth done, she decided to idealize her smile. Our patients have the opportunity to help design "their ideal" look. She wanted to have longer, brighter, more symmetrical teeth. EMax porcelain was used to replace the stained bonding. A mixture of crowns, crowneers, veneers were done on eight teeth. Our philosophy is to reduce as little tooth structure as possible and still achieve the esthetic and engineering agenda. It is technically far more difficult to mix preparation designs (due to the translucency of this beautiful porcelain) and still achieve a uniform coloration and brightness. The teeth underneath the porcelain can vary greatly in color and brightness and will show through the porcelain if the dentist and technician do not plan for it. Most dentists will do more aggressive tooth preparation on all of the teeth to make this a simpler shade matching procedure.
Can I replace old bonding?
Yes, a dentist can replace old bonding with new bonding or replace the bonding with veneers. Getting veneers is usually considered an upgrade. To replace old stained bonding with newer composite, the doctor must first remove the old material. Relying on old material as a base is not advised. The same applies when placing veneers. Only well bonded fresh composite is left on a tooth before applying a new covering.
Portrait of the patient featured above. She now is enjoying a beautiful smile!
How Often Should Dental Bonding Be Replaced?
Bonding normally lasts 7-10 years. Depending on how you care for it determines when it loses its original polish after 5 years. At 7 years it acquires stains and chips at the edges. Usually by 10 years there is heavy leakage under the plastic. The leakage causes weakening and ultimate failure. Replacement should be planned between the 7 to 10 year mark for bonded teeth.
My bonded tooth is turning brown at the margin
It is normal to have leakage occurring at the borders of bonded fillings as they age. This leakage will cause brown staining. Sometimes the brown stains can be trimmed and polished. Usually it is an indication of the beginning of the end. Once staining occurs at the margins of the bonding material, make plans to replace the bonding. It is easier to fix before the bonding falls off.
Why Replacing Composite Bonding Yields Stellar Results
Composite bonding can be very beautiful if performed correctly; but they do not last forever. In fact, it is rare for the total life span of composite bonding to go past 10 years. At this point, the restorations can become damaged or discolored. At Lake Forest Dental Arts in Chicago, IL, Dr. James Fondriest can replace your old discolored tooth bonding with beautiful veneers, ensuring the aesthetics of your smile and overall oral health.
Benefits of Replacing Composite Bonding
Even though composite bonding does not last forever, there are some benefits to having it replaced. The advantages of tooth colored fillings include:
- Continual improvement of the teeth
- Can usually be completed during one office visit
- Resin bonding costs less than porcelain. Dental insurance pays a small amount for bonding if decay is present.
- Less extensive procedure that preserves tooth structure
- Reshaping of the teeth
- Dentist can examine the tooth for decay or other issues
Upgrade or Replace Old Discolored Bonding with Veneers
In many instances, composite bonding can be replaced with regular veneers. This is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures due to the dramatic upgrade in esthetic appeal. These durable, bonded restorations are very thin but quite durable. For those who participate in sports or are teeth grinders, veneers may be a better option. Some of the other benefits of porcelain veneers include:
- Closure of gaps and spaces in the teeth
- Replacing worn enamel
- Repairing fractures and chips in the teeth
- Covering of blemishes and discolorations
- Creation of uniformity and alignment
Veneers vs. Bonded Composite Resin
Composite bonding is a wonderful material for small to medium fillings or for temporary reshaping of the front teeth. Composite is used frequently to improve the small imperfections or spaces between the teeth after braces. It is ideal for young adults not quite ready for porcelain veneers. Composite does have some shortcomings. It is about 30% the strength of a natural tooth so it can chip or break more easily. It will loose it’s luster after 4-5 years so it needs maintenance.
Veneers are considered “more permanent”. They are stain resistant and are far less likely to break. Coffee and tea rarely cause stains. Porcelain varies in strength but generally, porcelain is 90% the strength of natural teeth and when used in a veneer, will enjoy a long term lifespan. It is much easier to create lifelike replicas of natural teeth with porcelain veneers.
Do you want to replace old bonding with something new?
If you are interested in learning more about your options for replacing your composite bonding, contact our Chicago, IL area practice. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Fondriest, by calling 847-234-0517. We look forward to providing you with quality, and personable service.
Dr. Fondriest is a Nationally recognized and highly sought after cosmetic dentist. He serves clients from throughout the United States