Bioclear restorations

Bioclear Method Edmonton

Bioclear is a conservative approach to rebuilding worn, chipped or gapped teeth that is intended to preserve as much natural tooth as possible. Dr. Bustamante is a general dentist whose practice focuses on aesthetic restoration with the Bioclear Method and on root canal therapy, and he also teaches the method to other dentists.

The Bioclear Method

A conservative way to rejuvenate your smile.

  1. Preserves your natural tooth

    Bioclear is designed to rebuild teeth while preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible.

  2. A conservative approach

    Used for worn, broken, discoloured and chipped teeth, and for closing small gaps. Your dentist will explain what suits your teeth.

  3. Planned around your teeth

    Bioclear is used to rebuild the shape, size and fit of teeth. Results vary from person to person.

  • Black triangles after braces
  • Diastema closure
  • Peg laterals
  • Damaged or worn teeth
  • Replacing failing fillings
  • Chipped or discoloured teeth
Upper front teeth isolated with a rubber dam while a measuring gauge is held against a tooth
A clear Bioclear matrix fitted around a front tooth during a restoration

Your Bioclear provider

Taught by Dr. Bustamante, offered here in Edmonton

Dr. Bustamante is a general dentist. He is on the faculty of the Bioclear Learning Centre in Tacoma, WA, where he teaches the Bioclear Method to other dental professionals.

Bioclear Certified Master Track is a certification within the Bioclear Method. It is a certificate of achievement, not a dental specialty. Master Track providers submit x-rays, photos and write-ups of their own cases for evaluation by the faculty of the Bioclear Learning Center before it is awarded.

Dr. Rafael Bustamante, Bioclear Certified Master Track

Why Bioclear appeals to us

Many dental repairs begin by taking tooth away. Bioclear is built around the opposite idea: rebuild the shape, size and fit of a tooth with a tooth-colored material while keeping as much natural tooth as possible. For people who care about how their smile looks and about protecting their own teeth, that balance matters.

Before and after: dark amalgam filling replaced with a tooth-colored restoration
An example of a tooth-colored restoration

Your teeth and goals are different from anyone else’s, so we begin by looking closely and listening. After your exam, we will explain whether Bioclear suits your situation or whether another option may be a better fit, along with the benefits, limits and alternatives of each.

Concerns Bioclear is used for

  • Black triangles after braces
  • Gaps between teeth (diastema closure)
  • Small or peg-shaped teeth (peg laterals)
  • Worn, chipped or broken teeth
  • Failing white or silver fillings that need replacing
  • Chipped or discolored teeth, with Bioclear veneers

Book a visit Call (780) 482-3636

How Bioclear generally works

Every case is different, so your plan may vary. In general, Bioclear is described as a set of steps for shaping tooth-colored composite resin using thin, clear forms and warmed material.

  1. Look and plan. We examine your teeth, take photos, and talk about what you would like to change.
  2. Prepare the tooth. The tooth is isolated with a thin rubber sheet and carefully cleaned. Whether any preparation is needed is decided case by case.
  3. Shape with a clear form. A thin, clear plastic form, called a matrix, is placed around the tooth. It works like a mold for the new shape, including near the gumline.
  4. Fill and harden. Warmed composite is placed into the form and hardened with a light.
  5. Shape and polish. The restoration is trimmed and polished to blend with your tooth.

Bioclear is not right for every tooth or every smile. Sometimes a crown, a veneer, orthodontics or gum care is the more suitable choice, and we will explain why. Composite can wear, stain or chip, and may need polishing or repair over time.

A provider who also teaches the method

Dr. Bustamante is a general dentist. He is on the faculty of the Bioclear Learning Center in Tacoma, Washington, and is a Bioclear Certified Master Track provider. Master Track is a certification within the Bioclear Method. It is a certificate of achievement, not a dental specialty, and providers submit their own patient cases for review by the Bioclear faculty before it is awarded.

He also teaches Bioclear to dental students as visiting faculty at the University of Alberta. You can read more on the Our Doctor page.

Bioclear services at Signature Dental are provided by a general dentist. Results vary from person to person, and a consultation will determine what is suitable for you.

Pair it with other care

Bioclear often works alongside other services. Some people finish Invisalign and then talk with us about refining small gaps or tooth shapes. Others come to us to replace older fillings as part of restorative care. A single conversation can sort out the order that makes sense for you.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Bioclear Method?

It is a set of steps for shaping tooth-colored composite using clear, thin forms and warmed material, developed by Dr. David Clark and taught at the Bioclear Learning Center. Dr. Bustamante teaches it to other dentists and uses it to rebuild worn, broken, discolored and chipped teeth, with the aim of preserving as much natural tooth as possible.

Is Bioclear the same as regular bonding?

Both use tooth-colored composite. Bioclear is a defined method with specific preparation, shaped forms, warmed material and finishing steps. Whether it is appropriate for you depends on your teeth and your goals, and we will go over the options.

Will my tooth need to be drilled?

Some preparation of the tooth may or may not be needed, depending on your tooth and what needs to be repaired. Dr. Bustamante will explain what to expect before any treatment begins.

Can Bioclear close gaps and black triangles?

Closing a gap between teeth (diastema) and closing black triangles, the small dark spaces near the gumline that can appear after braces or with gum changes, are among the uses of the method. Whether it suits you depends on the size of the space, the shape of the gums and your bite. We will talk about it at your exam.

How long will a Bioclear restoration last?

We cannot promise a time. Like any dental restoration, composite can wear, stain or chip and may need polishing, repair or replacement. How long it lasts depends on things like your bite, grinding, diet, home care and regular visits.

Can Bioclear replace a veneer or crown?

Sometimes a Bioclear restoration is an option instead of a veneer or crown, and sometimes a crown or veneer is the more suitable choice. We decide with you, based on how much healthy tooth remains, your bite and your goals. Each option has trade-offs, and we will explain them.

Could Bioclear be right for you?

To find out whether Bioclear may suit your concerns, book a consultation with us.

Book a visit Call (780) 482-3636