Dental bonding is a common cosmetic dental procedure that can significantly improve the appearance of your smile. The bonding procedure involves a cosmetic dentist shaping composite resin to apply to teeth to change their shape and color.
What Issues Can Bonding Address?
One of the biggest benefits of dental bonding is that it can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic dental issues. Bonding is often used to repair chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth, particularly highly visible teeth in the front of the mouth.
Bonding can also lengthen teeth that are too short and change the color of teeth discolored by food, drink, medication, or disease.
The composite resin used in the bonding process can also be used to fill cavities, so it can help repair tooth decay as well. Composite resin fillings are often used to replace amalgam fillings since the composite matches the color of the surrounding teeth.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Dental bonding is a quick procedure that doesn't usually require advanced preparation. When you have a tooth bonded, your dentist will choose a composite resin that matches the color of your teeth.
The surface of your natural tooth will be roughened to help the material stick. Your dentist will apply the resin to your tooth and mold it into the desired shape.
Once the bonding material has been shaped, it is hardened under UV light. After the resin is hardened, your dentist will polish the material to match the smooth surface of your other teeth.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Bonding?
Bonding is one of the least expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures. It's also one of the quickest. Most patients have the entire procedure done in a single office visit.
Porcelain veneers and crowns require preparation of the natural tooth that involves removing enamel. Bonding doesn't require enamel removal, so there's less damage to your natural tooth.
The composite resin used for dental bonding is resistant to stains, but it's not as stain-resistant as a crown, so it's important to avoid stain-causing foods and drinks as much as possible.
The bonding material isn't as strong as other tooth-restoration methods, such as veneers and crowns, and bonded teeth can be expected to last for 5 to 10 years compared to the 15+ years porcelain veneers last.
If you're considering cosmetic work to enhance your natural smile, talk to your dentist about your options, including bonding, to determine the best treatment plan to achieve your desired results.
For more information on cosmetic dentistry, contact a company like All Star Implants.
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