Resin is simply the material that white fillings are made of, however over the last 20+ years Dr Terry Wong has perfected methods to cover unsightly teeth with resin to improve the smile.
So resin can be used in numerous situations:
- To close gaps and fix chipped teeth
- Cover discoloured areas on the tooth
- Lengthen short teeth
- Align crooked teeth
- Improve the shape of mal-formed teeth
How it’s Done
Resin is available in numerous colours so matching your tooth colour or improving (lightening) the colour of your teeth is possible.
It is sometimes necessary to mix colours to achieve a better result.
Once the colours are chosen, the teeth are cleaned, acid etched, and a thin layer of bond (glue) is applied.
Generally speaking Dr Wong tries to avoid cutting teeth with resin bonding, in order to maintain the biological health of the tooth and reduce the risk of the nerve dying as a result of more invasive procedures. That means thin portions of resin is applied directly over the tooth surface and hardened with a blue light.
Finally the resin is shaped and polished to produce the desired outcome.
Technology
The skill in achieving a good result is dependent on the expertise of the person performing the treatment.
Some Dentists do not offer this treatment as they may prefer porcelain veneers.
Over the last 11 years, Dr Wong lectures both locally and Internationally on composite resin, as he is considered an expert. He also lectures at Melbourne University to Dental Students on Aesthetic or Cosmetic Dentistry. He is also a key opinion leader for Dental companies such as 3M, Ivoclar Vivadent, Coltene, SDI and Dentsply.
AFTER TREATMENT EXPECTATIONS
Dr Wong seldom cuts teeth, so there is little or no post treatment sensitivity, or the likelihood of infection. If properly bonded, the tooth cannot decay under the resin, however it is still important to come back for reviews every year.
You can immediately eat/drink on the same day after the treatment.
A review appointment is usually scheduled a few weeks later. If there are changes you would like, then they are carried out at that visit.
COMPLICATIONS
There a generally no complications with resin bonding. Some patients may have a local reaction to the material but this is very uncommon.
A test can be performed before receiving the treatment to ensure there is no side effects to the resin.
Are you a Candidate?
If you have any of the following: chipped, crooked, short, mal-formed, discoloured teeth, or if you have annoying spaces between teeth, then you may be a suitable candidate for resin bonding to improve the smile.