Last December, I had bonding done on about 15 teeth near the gumline because of sensitivity. None of the bonding was done for decay or cosmetic reasons.

As soon as it was placed, I could tell the color didn’t match my teeth. It looks opaque and rough, and even though I asked for a whiter shade, it still doesn’t blend well. My teeth used to look very white and natural, but now the bonding stands out.

What would be the best way to fix this? Would all the bonding need to be removed and replaced with a better color, or could new bonding be placed over the existing material? I’m also worried about the risks if it must be removed, since some of these teeth already had older bonding removed before this was placed. Thank you. Kate R from FL

Kate,

Small composite fillings at the gumline should blend naturally with the surrounding teeth. Dentists place these restorations frequently, and achieving the correct shade and polish is usually very manageable.

While complex cosmetic work may require a highly experienced cosmetic dentist, most general dentists can achieve good results with gumline bonding when the shade and finish are carefully matched.

Can Your Dental Bonding Be Repaired?

Whether your bonding must be replaced depends on how different it looks from your natural teeth. If the mismatch is mainly on the surface, the dentist may be able to correct it without removing the entire restoration.

Dentists may address the problem in several ways:

• Resurfacing the existing composite with a better color match
• Re-polishing the bonding to improve the smoothness and shine
• Replacing the filling entirely when the color or shape cannot be corrected

Even when full replacement is needed, the process is usually simple and conservative.

Removing Bonding Is Usually Safe

Many patients feel concerned about having bonding removed more than once. Dentists can usually distinguish composite from natural tooth structure quite clearly.

Dentists often use burs specifically designed to remove composite material. These instruments allow the dentist to remove the bonding while preserving the underlying tooth. Because of this, replacing these fillings—even a second time—rarely causes damage to the teeth.

Why Gumline Lesions Become Sensitive

The notches that form near the gumline are known as abfraction lesions. They occur when the enamel in that area gradually wears away, exposing the underlying dentin.

For many years, dentists blamed hard brushing as the main cause. While brushing may play a role, current research suggests that clenching or grinding the teeth often contributes significantly.

The forces from clenching can cause several effects:

• Flexing of the tooth near the gumline
• Weakening of enamel in that region
• Formation of sensitive grooves or notches

These areas often become sensitive to cold air, brushing, or touch.

Flexible Materials Help the Bonding Last

Because teeth flex slightly under pressure, the material used to restore these lesions must tolerate that movement. Very stiff materials may not adapt well to this natural flexing.

Dentists often select composites with some flexibility so the restoration can move slightly with the tooth. This helps the bonding stay in place and reduces the chance that it will loosen or fall out. With the right material and careful shade matching, the bonding can usually be corrected so it blends naturally with your teeth again.

Beverly Hills accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Brian LeSage sponsors this post. Read why his patients think he is among the best cosmetic dentists in Beverly Hills.