I love my dentist, but this time, I am convinced that he doesn’t know what he is doing with the bonding on my teeth. After I finished Invisalign, the edges of my teeth looked zigzagged, so my dentist said he could even the edges to look natural but not super straight. I thought it was a good idea. The first try was a disaster. I tried to get used to it, but it looked like a bad Silly Putty job. My dentist removed and reapplied the bonding, and I am still not happy. My dentist is very pleasant and agreeable to redo the bonding as many times as needed, but I’m concerned about how much removing and reapplying I can take. Are my dentist’s repeated mistakes going to ruin my teeth eventually? – Thanks. Turner from Arizona
Turner,
Your description sounds like your dentist’s ability is more questionable than how many times he can apply and remove dental bonding. Although your Invisalign treatment is complete, your current dentist might not be able to help you reach your smile goals. But first, we will answer your question about applying and removing dental bonding.
Can Dental Bonding Be Removed Without Damaging Your Teeth?
Yes, a dentist can remove dental bonding without damaging your teeth. The concern is if your dentist placed bonding on your tooth enamel or the dentin—the layer beneath the bonding. If a dentist conservatively etches your teeth before bonding, it only affects a small amount of tooth enamel.
Ways to Remove Dental Bonding
A cosmetic dentist might choose one of these options to remove dental bonding from your teeth:
- Sandpaper disc – A sandpaper disc is flexible and bends with the shape of a tooth. It polishes composite but can also remove it. It will leave a smooth, polished gloss.
- High-speed carbide drills – When a dentist applies light pressure, a carbide drill can quickly remove composite bonding without damaging tooth enamel. But it’s not as flexible as a sandpaper disc and often leaves streaks of material on teeth. A cosmetic dentist can remove the streaks with a sandpaper disc.
- Air abrasion – Although most general dentists don’t have air-abrasion equipment in their offices, this technique effectively removes bonding. Cosmetic dentists readily use air abrasion equipment.
- Sand-blasting nozzles – A micro-etcher, most often used by cosmetic dentists, is a slower method to remove composite. It’s often used as a finishing step.
Should You Let Your Dentistry Try the Bonding Again?
If you need dental bonding after Invisalign, these photos from Dr. LeSage show the beautiful results an expert cosmetic can achieve.
Depending on your dentist’s skill and advanced cosmetic dentistry training, he may or may not have these tools in his office. But no doubt, you want to complete your smile makeover and enjoy it. We suggest that you consider getting a second opinion from a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training.
During a consultation, you can discuss your goals with the cosmetic dentist and listen as they explain your treatment options for improving the edges of your teeth with bonding. A cosmetic dentist can seamlessly apply bonding to your teeth and give you a smile you love.
Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Brian LeSage, sponsors this post.