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There’s a concept in our office that we call “plastic surgery for teeth,” a technique that goes beyond basic treatment to deliver a more aesthetic result. 

Consider for a moment having a mole removed. If the mole is on your back, you’ll likely be okay with some scarring and therefore have a simple procedure to remove the mole. However, if the mole is on your face, you probably won’t want any scarring and will require plastic surgery. The expectation is that with plastic surgery, there will be a more extensive procedure and a more seamless result. 

The same is true with dentistry. There are times where the appearance of a restoration is more important, like when treating a front tooth that has chipped and requires bonding. In this instance, you’ll want seamless bonding that restores the tooth to its original appearance. Yet, this cannot be achieved with traditional bonding techniques. In this case, plastic surgery for your tooth is required. 

What is plastic surgery for teeth? 

When we use the phrase “plastic surgery for teeth” what we are talking about is creating a restoration so natural that it is indistinguishable from your original tooth. This eliminates the “scar” you’d expect from a traditional procedure where the repair meets your natural tooth. 

How is this achieved? 

Treating a tooth in the aesthetic zone (your front teeth), requires a combination of:

• Advanced technique. The way we prepare the tooth’s surface for bonding is crucial. To eliminate the transition line, we employ specialized techniques that go beyond standard dental school training. This meticulous preparation creates a seamless bond, ensuring the restoration blends flawlessly with the surrounding tooth structure.
• Superior materials. The bonding materials we use in the front of the mouth are much different than the materials we use in the back of the mouth. In the aesthetic zone, we will often use three or four materials that mimic the natural opacity of the different layers of your teeth. This includes a material in place of the dentin that is opaquer and another in place of the enamel that is glass-like and translucent. 
• Operator experience. Lastly, it’s important that you work with a dentist who has mastery over these techniques and materials. You want someone who is doing this procedure weekly, if not daily, and knows how to layer the materials and match the restoration to your natural teeth. There is value in seeing a dentist who has a more aesthetic and analytical eye. 

When is plastic surgery needed? 

The concept of “plastic surgery for teeth” is particularly relevant when dealing with treatment of the front teeth. A chipped front tooth, like in the example above, or a cavity between the two front teeth. In this highly visible area, any imperfection is noticeable, and many people desire a flawless result. 

Advanced techniques to achieve this result

If you’re interested in a seamless restoration, look for a dental practice that offers BioClear. This technique uses heated composite and specific matrices to create strong and aesthetic restorations. 

The Brazilian Technique, created by Newton Fahl, Jr. DDS, is another advanced technique that benefits patients. This layering technique, originating in Brazil, focuses on achieving lifelike translucency and color matching.

These techniques emphasize the importance of meticulous preparation, advanced materials, and artistic skill to deliver truly exceptional results.

Making the right choice 

Ultimately, the decision of whether to opt for “plastic surgery for teeth” is a personal one. If you desire a flawless, seamless restoration and are willing to invest in the skill and artistry of an experienced dentist, then this approach is worth considering.

If you’re interested in working with an experienced dentist to achieve a highly aesthetic result – call our office to schedule a consultation. You can schedule an appointment online, or call us at 813-689-4226.