Cosmetic dentistry has made tremendous strides in recent years, making it easier and more affordable than ever to achieve the smile of your dreams. If you have ever considered porcelain veneers to correct the shape or color of your teeth, or if you have chips and cracks that affect your smile’s aesthetics, you now have another option.
At Dental Wellness of Charlotte, we now offer Bioclear® to help you improve the look of your smile, and Dr. Shirman is a certified Bioclear Provider. Although the Bioclear process corrects many of the same cosmetic flaws as porcelain veneers, it has some additional benefits.
What is Bioclear?
Bioclear is a revolutionary approach to cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Unlike conventional bonding techniques, which may lack durability and aesthetic appeal, Bioclear creates a smooth, contoured finish that mimics the natural appearance of teeth. The treatment involves using a translucent mold (matrix) to shape composite resin around the tooth, resulting in a seamless and natural-looking restoration.
Candidates for Bioclear may have:
- Black triangles between teeth and gums
- Unwanted gaps between teeth
- Undersized or misshapen teeth
- Worn teeth that appear short
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
- Root canal teeth
- Old silver & white fillings that are rough, stained, or have decay around the edges
- Bioclear versus Crowns and Veneers
Bioclear® vs. Traditional Dental Crowns
For patients who want to preserve as much of their natural tooth as possible, Bioclear® offers a compelling alternative to a traditional dental crown. While a crown typically requires significant reshaping and removal of healthy tooth structure to make room for the cap, Bioclear® preserves up to 70% of your natural tooth, since no cutting or drilling down the tooth is required. The result is a smile restoration that is just as durable and natural-looking as a crown, at a comparable cost, but with far less impact on the tooth itself. For patients focused on long-term oral health and keeping their natural teeth intact, Bioclear® is often the more conservative choice compared to a traditional crown.
Bioclear vs. Veneers: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the differences between porcelain veneers and Bioclear is essential so you can make an informed choice about your cosmetic treatment plan. Here’s what you need to know about how veneers and Bioclear work:
Porcelain Veneers
After we remove some of your tooth enamel and take impressions, your porcelain veneers are individually made in a dental lab to fit each of your teeth. Once complete, we will permanently bond your veneers to your teeth.
Bioclear
Instead of porcelain, the Bioclear process uses the same composite material we use for dental bonding but in a flexible form that can be controlled and shaped more easily. This allows for a natural look and better adherence to your teeth.
