How to Fix Discoloration in Bonded Teeth
Have your bonded teeth turned yellow or gray? An experienced cosmetic dentist can repair them.
If you have ever chipped or broken a tooth, your dentist may have used a bonding material to repair it. Over time, this material does have the potential to become discolored. For example, it may become yellowed if you are a coffee-drinker or a smoker, or it could get a grayish or dark look if it was not properly placed and the tooth behind it suffers further damage or decay.
It is very important to realize that tooth whitening or bleaching will not help with discoloration of bonded material. Instead, you need to turn to an expert cosmetic dentist for help replacing your discolored bonding with a new, more attractive solution.
Options for Replacing Discolored Bonding
New Bonding: It is definitely possible to remove the old bonded material and replace it with new bonding that is colored appropriately to match your natural teeth. However, you probably do not want to trust just any dentist to do this for you. Most general dentists understand basic color matching for restorations but simply do not have the skill and knowledge in color manipulation required to create truly beautiful bonding.
You need to visit a cosmetic dentist who is a real expert in using bonding material to create virtually flawless repairs for chipped or broken teeth. A cosmetic dentist knows how to apply the different bonding materials to create the color you want and ensure the finished repair looks natural.
First, the cosmetic dentist will use opaquers to mask out the dark color of an underlying stained or damaged tooth and keep it from showing through the bonding. Next, a composite material of medium translucency may be used to build up the tooth, and finally a very translucent layer will be used to finish the surface of the tooth and create a look of depth.
Veneers: It takes considerable skill to shape a bonded tooth so that it looks natural. If you have many teeth requiring bonding, or if you have other cosmetic defects in your smile, you may want to simply replace your old, discolored bonding with veneers. Porcelain veneers look very natural and can cover up stains, chips, and other minor imperfections in your smile.
Crowns: If the tooth beneath your bonding is quite damaged, it might not be able to support further bonding or veneers. Fortunately, a cosmetic dentist can still help by placing a porcelain crown over the damaged tooth to restore both the look and the functionality of the tooth.
Need Help Improving Your Smile?
If you are troubled by an ugly bonded tooth or any other imperfection in your smile, contact California Dental Group now. We have experienced cosmetic dentists on staff who can provide the skillful improvements you need to ensure a beautiful smile.
