Over the past year, Dr. Marc Vance has attended multiple training courses in the exacting art of Bioclear. What is Bioclear? Bioclear is a patented technique developed by Dr. David Clark that enables dentists to use composite resin (the material used to make tooth colored fillings) to do things that veneers and crowns can do. Using specialized pre-formed clear shells, heated composite, and specialized techniques of cleaning and preparing the teeth, the Bioclear technique can be used to close spaces in between teeth, fix chipped teeth/cavities while also revitalizing teeth, and making teeth look like they have veneers or crowns but with filling material!
In the image above, Bioclear was used create composite veneers on the lower front teeth to make them brighter and close the dark spaces in between the teeth and gums (sometimes called “black triangles”). Her other teeth were crowned, and both the patient and I wanted to try and avoid crowning these teeth because the lower front teeth are very small and crowning them can leave them prone to fracture. Using Bioclear, we were able to minimize the amount of tooth structure removed but also create a significant improvement in the look of the patient’s smile. Another advantage of the Bioclear method is it can be done in one visit!
Bioclear does have its limitations. Composite resin can, over time, need to be polished as it is not quite as stain resistant as porcelain/ceramic materials. The trade off is that it is generally much more conservative than traditional veneers and crowns, meaning less tooth structure has to be removed to complete the procedure. Less removal of tooth structure means less chance of the procedure causing sensitivity or fracture. The composite can also be repaired if it chips, unlike porcelain which has to be replaced in the event of a fracture.
If you have cosmetic concerns with your front teeth, Bioclear may be an option for you! Call us at (205) 250-6813 to schedule a consultation.
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