Makeover gapped, chipped, irregularly-shaped, or otherwise “imperfect” teeth with dental bonding
Dental bonding presents the easiest, fastest ways to dramatically make a smile marred by cracks, chips, gaps, uneven spacing, stubborn discoloration, and other surface, shape, and size-oriented imperfections. Our oral-systemic health experts, Drs Susan Mazzei, and Kelsey Esposito, welcome using their considerable finesse and skill to disguise cosmetic irregularities that detract from your appearance and confidence.
Bonding at West Suburban Oral Health Care in Naperville, Illinois
The bonding process involves using a tooth-like dental material to camouflage cosmetic concerns. This composite resin material is perfectly color-matched to blend in with the rest of the natural tooth and the surrounding teeth. Since it is a cosmetic procedure, bonding is only performed on otherwise healthy teeth. Our dentists will first ensure you have a clean bill of health. Depending on what we find during an examination, you may require restorative treatment such as fillings. Remember that some oral health conditions, such as cavities or enamel erosion, can present as stains or discoloration. With further investigation, the feature that bothers you may be an oral health condition rather than a cosmetic or aesthetic concern.
Dental bonding can be performed in one visit and without altering natural and otherwise healthy tooth enamel. The tooth is only slightly abraded or etched to ensure a strong bond between the resin and the natural structure. A conditioning liquid is also applied to support lasting strength and durability. Once the tooth is ready, the prepared composite resin is applied in layers. Our dentists use their blend of technical expertise and artistic skill to close gaps, add height to worn teeth, reshape teeth, and otherwise disguise smile flaws. As each resin layer is applied, the material is hardened on the tooth or cured with a special instrument or curing light. Once the last layer has been placed, minor adjustments or refinements may be made before polishing the improved tooth to its brilliant luster. That’s it! You are ready to go and to smile confidently.
Considerations to sink your teeth into
As partners in our patients’ oral health, we provide guidance on keeping their bonded teeth looking and functioning great. Bruxers, or those who grind their teeth, may require custom-fit oral appliances or nightguards to protect the bonding material from damage. Modifications to habits, such as fingernail- and ice-chewing, can also aid in extending the life of your bonded teeth.
Bonding is also known as “direct veneers.” The alternative to composite resin bonding is indirect veneers made from porcelain. Indirect veneers generally require the removal of some natural enamel and two visits to our practice. The first visit involves preparing the tooth and the veneers. The second visit consists in applying the permanent veneers to the teeth. While porcelain veneers are more expensive than bonding upfront, patients like that they are so durable, resist stains and precisely mimic the strength and appearance of enamel.
We look forward to discussing the advantages and disadvantages of various options available at West Suburban Oral Health Care with you. Call 630-393-3045 to schedule your appointment at our Naperville practice.
Dr. Susan Mazzei is committed to delivering compassionate and effective care to patients of all ages and backgrounds in Naperville, Illinois. She is a highly skilled dentist who earned her Certification in Prosthodontics after graduating from Northwestern University Dental School.
After finishing her studies, she enrolled in the Northwestern University Dental School faculty as a full-time Clinical Assistant Professor. Dr. Mazzei believes that optimal dental health begins with education and preventative care and educates patients at West Suburban Oral Healthcare on how to take more control of their oral health, which promotes optimal systemic health.
Dr. Mazzei is dedicated to upgrading her education and being up to date on the newest breakthroughs in oral health and dentistry, ensuring that her patients receive the finest care possible.
Dr. Kelsey Esposito joined West Suburban Oral Health Care as an Associate General Dentist in 2017 after meeting Dr. Mazzei, with whom she shared a belief in providing comprehensive, personalized dental care.
She holds a BA in Economics and Fine Art from Kalamazoo College and a Premedicine Post-Baccalaureate Certificate from Northwestern University. Before entering dentistry, she worked in healthcare advertising and communications for a large ad company and a small non-profit cancer research organization. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from The University of Illinois, Chicago.
Dr. Esposito is a member of several leading professional associations, like the American Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry. Paying attention to detail and offering quality care that makes patients satisfied with their oral health and smiles are her goals.