Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
Tags
- celebrity smiles (78)
- cosmetic dentistry (14)
- gum disease (15)
- oral health (33)
- oral cancer (4)
- x-rays (1)
- sleep apnea (3)
- oral hygiene (31)
- invisalign (1)
- clear aligners (5)
- orthodontics (9)
- jaw surgery (2)
- Veneers (11)
- Resin Veneers (1)
- Porcelain Veneers (5)
- mouthguards (5)
- dental injuries (3)
- dental implants (18)
- dentures (5)
- Implant Dentistry (1)
- tooth decay (9)
- nutrition (2)
- orthodontic treatment (16)
- crown (1)
- smoking (5)
- jaw pain (2)
- tmj (1)
- tmd (1)
- Dentistry (1)
- bridge (1)
- pregnancy (4)
- snoring (2)
- missing tooth (2)
- replacing teeth (1)
- dental implant (5)
- root canal (3)
- chipped teeth (2)
- bonding (3)
- braces (9)
- lichen planus (1)
- cleft lip (1)
- cleft palate (1)
- oral surgery (2)
- Healthy food (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- crowns (4)
- palatal expander (1)
- osteoporosis (2)
- teeth wear (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- tooth replacement (1)
- missing teeth (1)
- dental anxiety (1)
- fillings (3)
- TMJ/ TMD (1)
- infection control (1)
- sedation dentistry (3)
- removable dentures (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- root canal treatment (8)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental injury (5)
- mouthguard (1)
- restorative dentistry (4)
- apicoectomy (1)
- bad breath (2)
- teething (4)
- pediatric dentistry (12)
- teeth whitening (4)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- dental exam (1)
- space maintainer (1)
- periodontal disease (1)
- chipped tooth (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- trigeminal neuralgia (1)
- facial pain (1)
- adult braces (1)
- air abrasion (1)
- chewing tobacco (1)
- thumb sucking (1)
- flossing (1)
- Dental Crowns (1)
- orthognathic surgery (1)
- Sedation (1)
- Nitrous Oxide (1)
- Dental Fear (1)
- smile makeover (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- Family Dentist (2)
- retainers (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
- root resorption (1)
- gerd (1)
- bone loss (1)
- toothache (1)
- oral appliance (1)
- tmj disorders (3)
- dental cleaning (1)
- Root Canal Therapy (1)
- teeth grinding (1)
- extraction (1)
- Tooth-Colored (1)
- composite resin (1)
- White Smile (1)
- gummy smile (1)
- vaping (1)
- General Dentistry (1)
- Family Dentistry (1)
- East Ellijay GA Dentist (1)
- Dentist (1)
- wedding day smile (1)
- retainer (1)
It might not rise to the level of a miracle, but cosmetic dentistry can achieve some amazing outcomes with unattractive teeth. A skilled and experienced dentist can turn "ugly ducklings" into beautiful "swans." And that achievement might not be as in-depth or expensive as you might think, thanks to the increased use of dental materials called composite resins.
Composite resins are pliable, tooth-colored materials we apply directly to tooth surfaces. They're most often used with broken, chipped or misshapen front teeth—the composite material replaces the missing tooth structure.
Composite resins have been around for decades, but haven't been widely used because they didn't have the strength of dental porcelain. In recent years, though, dentists have perfected techniques for bonding and shaping composites to teeth that have increased their durability. With just the right skill and artistry, composites can look like natural teeth.
We can correct many tooth flaws using composite resins right in our office. After roughening up the outer enamel surface of the tooth and performing other steps to aid bonding, we begin applying liquid resins to form a base layer that we then harden with a special light source. We continue to add layers to increase the color depth and shape of the restoration, before finally polishing it to resemble natural teeth.
Composite restorations are ideal for moderate tooth structure loss, but may not be appropriate for heavily worn, previously root canal-treated or fractured teeth. These and other kinds of flaws may require a different solution such as a dental porcelain restoration with veneers or crowns. Where composites can be used, though, they provide an affordable option that doesn't require an outside dental lab for fabrication—we can often perform it in one visit.
If you'd like to consider a composite resin restoration for a less than perfect tooth, see us for a complete examination and consultation. If your situation appears to be compatible for using this particular technique, composite resins could change your smile for the better in just a few minutes.
If you would like more information on how we can improve your smile, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Artistic Repair of Front Teeth with Composite Resin.”
