The Bioclear Method is an approach to cosmetic and restorative dentistry that is used in lieu of traditional fillings, bonding, or veneers. Bioclear lasts longer than traditional composites, porcelain, or amalgams. It looks better too, with a more natural and consistent finish.
The typical longevity of a composite restoration—like certain cavity fillings—might be two to five years. Traditional composites are applied at room temperature, in successive layers. This not only creates noticeable edges at the gumline, but also weakens the structural integrity of the restoration. After that, they need to be touched up or replaced. There was clearly room for improvement.
Bioclear uses a heated composite made by 3M that is flowed in, rather than layered. Essentially, the material that will form the new tooth structure is combined with a warmed, viscous material that allows it to be flowed into the Bioclear Matrix, creating a single, monolithic fill that is cured (hardened) with light. The result is harder and more structurally sound than layered composite alone. Bioclear restorations typically last fifteen to twenty years or more.
This is due in part to the anatomically shaped Bioclear Matrices, but it also has a lot to do with the final polish.
Even the latest composites may look grainy or have a matte finish compared to the slightly translucent, reflective quality of your natural teeth. Once applied and hardened and dry, these composites are polished with a small sanding bit on a drill. Bioclear applies what we affectionately call the “Rock Star Polish.”
The polishing is done wet, using water and a special slurry, keeping the temperature down and thus maintaining the integrity of the restoration. And the polishing mix itself is made of a safe, food-grade pumice.
Traditional restorations end at the gumline, often creating ridgelines that over time can irritate and inflame the gums. Bioclear restorations start below the gumline (thanks once again to the Bioclear Matrix).
Then there are the preparations! Preparations refer to the process of readying a tooth (or teeth) for restoration. Even today, dentists will remove all existing enamel in order to prep for porcelain veneers. Bioclear preparations only call for removing unhealthy tooth structure: it inherently conserves more of the healthy, original tooth. And care is taken to remove accumulated biofilm—that’s the organic material that collects even on healthy teeth—ensuring that the heated composite adheres directly to your enamel.
How is Bioclear different from composite fillings, bonding, or veneers?
Traditional composite fillings and bonding resins are pastes that are layered onto your tooth. In order for the layers to adhere, dentists need to grind down to make space for the final restoration. These layers leave ridges that can be felt where the restoration meets the enamel. Moreover, when the filling or bonding eventually cracks, chips, or wears away, there is little structural integrity left of the original tooth.
Bioclear however is a more conservative method—as a process, it conserves more of your tooth structure. And while the Bioclear composites are indeed stronger and longer lasting than other materials, they wear like your natural teeth. In the event of an accident, most often a damaged Bioclear restoration can be repaired or replaced.
As for porcelain veneers, these are cosmetic layers placed over an imperfection in your teeth for an aesthetic effect. They can look good and can be quite strong, but these too can become stained, and the appearance is most pronounced at the edges where the original tooth enamel is visible. And veneers don’t really fix the structure of your teeth—they’re for cosmetic purposes only.
Bioclear however strengthens your teeth without ruining them. The procedure is quick; touch ups are easy, and it is every bit as reversible as veneers.
How long does a Bioclear restoration last compared to a crown?
A better question is: which option, a crown or a Bioclear restoration, will allow me to keep my tooth the longest? The answer is the Bioclear restoration. Bioclear provides the best chance to keep your natural tooth for a lifetime.
Traditional crown preparations remove about 75% of the tooth. The Bioclear Method minimizes reduction of tooth structure and decreases the potential of future root canals or snap off fractures. As we age, crowned teeth often require extraction. Bioclear offers an innovative option to avert this outcome.
A Bioclear restoration wears like your natural tooth enamel. The Bioclear Clinic provides a 5-year warranty on restorations for chipping and staining. With routine dental care, we expect Bioclear restorations to last several years beyond standard insurance replacement recommendations.
Can I get tooth decay under a Bioclear restoration?
Theoretically, yes—but it’s unlikely. Unlike traditional crowns, Bioclear leaves no gaps, so your tooth is shielded from decay. Crowns on the other hand have a glue that degrades over time, then decay can set in or the crown can fall out. Anyone who’s experienced this knows how frightening and disruptive it can be.
Will my teeth look or feel bulky?
Bioclear is an additive procedure. There is an adjustment period for some people when their teeth regain their youthful volume. Traditional methods of dentistry reduce your natural tooth structure to make space for the crown, veneer, or filling—that’s not great, but it can make the result feel like your old tooth. A Bioclear restoration envelops the tooth. Your teeth may temporarily feel slightly thicker than before. That said, patients often remark that the teeth feel smoother and stronger with Bioclear. And they’ll look fantastic.
Do Bioclear restorations stain?
Bioclear restorations are quite stain-resistant. Yet like your natural enamel, it can stain—it’ll just do so in a way that looks like the rest of your teeth. Smoking or heavy consumption of black coffee (or dark juice) can permanently stain natural tooth enamel and Bioclear restorations. We recommend that you drink a cup of water and brush your teeth after consumption, or avoid these habits altogether. If you do get surface stains, they can typically be polished away during your routine dental cleaning.
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Belmont, CA 94002
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