Your problems solved with Bioclear

Porcelain veneers offer a compelling solution, but they require a significant commitment. On the other hand, composite bonding is less invasive and more cost-effective, though it’s often said to have a less aesthetically pleasing appearance and a propensity for chipping. If you’ve ever hoped for a middle ground – a less permanent yet more durable option between veneers and bonding – Bioclear might be the ideal answer. Explore additional videos or continue scrolling to view real patient images and delve deeper into the benefits of Bioclear.

Between Veneers and Bonding: A Third Option

When considering cosmetic enhancements for your teeth, the typical choices often narrow down to two primary options. Veneers, being a comprehensive and long-lasting solution, entail the irreversible removal of a layer of tooth enamel, making them a more expensive choice. On the flip side, bonding is a more budget-friendly alternative, but it lacks the longevity and strength of veneers. Achieving a seamless match of composite to your natural tooth color can be challenging, and the aesthetic outcome is contingent on the skill of the cosmetic dentist.

These conventional options can leave many patients uncertain about the most suitable path forward. Affordability concerns might make veneers seem financially out of reach, while the unpredictable and less durable nature of composite bonding may give one pause. Additionally, the idea of permanently altering teeth with veneers may raise hesitations.

Now, there emerges a third option that strikes a balance between bonding and veneers. San Diego cosmetic dentist Dr. David Eshom introduces Bioclear Matrix veneers, providing patients with a middle-ground solution to address cosmetic flaws. This procedure offers a harmonious blend of durability and reversibility, offering a compelling minimally invasive alternative to veneers and bonding for those seeking a nuanced approach to enhancing their smiles.

Bioclear is Ideal for “Black Triangles”

As we age, some of us will look at our smile in the mirror and notice small, triangular spaces developing between our teeth. These spaces, referred to by dentists as black triangles, tend to develop as the gums begin receding with age. Many patients also notice them after undergoing orthodontic treatment.

In the past, dentists have turned to dental bonding and porcelain veneers as solutions to these spaces, but many feel that the dental bonding technique has become outdated, and a lot of patients simply cannot afford high-priced porcelain veneers.

Dr. David Eshom proudly offers an alternative to these options in the form of Bioclear. This innovative system involves using matrices to wrap a dental composite around the entire tooth, filling in those spaces between the teeth, and leaving the patient with a gorgeous, full smile.

What is Bioclear?

Bioclear is a relatively new product that dentists use as an alternative to porcelain veneers and traditional bonding. While dentists regularly use this product to repair undersized or misshapen teeth, they mostly use the product to help patients with black triangles achieve a fuller smile.

Some patients may feel that these small spaces do not bother them, and elect to leave them alone. This choice can end up costing them more money in the long run. As the gums recede, the small spaces can trap food particles. This can lead to a greater risk for bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease, which cost much more to repair.

During the Bioclear procedure, the doctor places a clear plastic matrix on either side of the effected tooth, to achieve the form desired for the tooth. The matrices are then filled with two types of composite, wrapping the entire tooth and filling in the spaces in the patient’s smile.

The Bioclear Advantage

Aside from cost, Bioclear holds a few other advantages over porcelain veneers. When placing veneers, the doctor needs to remove a small portion of the enamel layer of the tooth, altering the tooth’s structure slightly. Because of this, the patient will need to wear veneers permanently to keep the tooth protected.

For the Bioclear procedure, Dr. Eshom does not have to remove any structure from the tooth. In fact, Bioclear actually adds structure to the tooth, helping to improve its strength.

Should a porcelain veneer chip or crack, the dentist typically has no recourse to repair it. The patient will typically have to pay for a brand new veneer to replace the damaged one. If a tooth repaired with the Bioclear system should chip or crack, however, the doctor can easily reshape the composite, saving the patient time and money.

Dr. Eshom feels that Bioclear offers advantages over traditional dental bonding as well, the composite wraps the whole tooth, rather than just filling in the damaged area, giving the tooth a more uniform appearance and reducing the possibility of stains forming where the composite meets the tooth structure. Bioclear results in a stronger, fuller, more beautiful appearance than traditional bonding.

Gentler on Your Teeth and Gums

As a minimally invasive treatment, Bioclear does not affect your natural tooth enamel. In most cases, we will not need to resurface the tooth before applying Bioclear treatment. This makes them less of a permanent commitment than you get with veneers.

Another plus is the fact that Bioclear is thinner and gentler on the gum tissue than composite bonding. The heated Bioclear matrix fits snugly around each tooth and edges up under the gum line without abrading the tissue.

The Bioclear Procedure

As with all procedures in our office, you will begin by consulting with Dr. Eshom. He will perform a thorough examination of your mouth, making sure no other restorative work needs to be done before performing the Bioclear procedure.

To begin the procedure, the doctor will use a tucked rubber dam to protect your gums from the etching acid and adhesive. He will then use an exposing solution to show him any areas of plaque present on the teeth. Using an instrument called a Bioclear Blaster, the doctor will remove all traces of plaque from the teeth. On occasion, he may need to use a scaler on stubborn plaque and perform the exposing and blasting procedure a second time.

Dr. Eshom will then fit the plastic matrices, which look like small, clear tabs, around each side of your tooth. He will trim these to form the desired length and shape of the tooth, then seat them in the gums.

The doctor will then inject a gel containing phosphoric acid into the matrices, covering the entire tooth. He will leave the gel for about 20 seconds to lightly etch the surface, ensuring a good bond. He will then rinse the tooth and dry it completely.

Next, Dr. Eshom will massage an adhesive onto the tooth, making sure to cover all areas. He will then inject a small amount of heated flowable composite into the matrices. Heated regular composite follows, injected into the pool of flowable composite.

The doctor will shape the composite material to fill the matrices evenly, achieving the desired size and shape. Once the doctor has properly contoured the composite, he will remove the plastic matrices and polish the tooth, and you will walk out with a stunning smile.

Call Today for a Consultation

To get started with the Bioclear system, call our San Diego, CA, dental office today at (858) 455-9151 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Eshom and get your dream smile with a minimally invasive alternative to veneers!