In a survey, 93% of people who were happy with their smiles reported high levels of general self-confidence. It’s clear that having a smile you’re proud of can make a big difference to your overall self-esteem! Do you love your smile?
If you have tooth damage, you may feel self-conscious about your smile. Why not fix it with dental restoration?
We’re here to talk about one such restoration option: dental bonding. Read on to learn all about it so you can decide if it’s right for you.
Table of Contents
First: What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves the application of a tooth-colored resin to the surface of the teeth or to fill in gaps and cracks. It can enhance or fix your smile!
Dental bonding is a versatile treatment option that can address various dental issues. You can use it for chipped or cracked teeth, cavities, gaps, tooth misalignments, irregular tooth shapes, and stains or discoloration (among other things, of course).
Unlike other cosmetic dental treatments, dental bonding utilizes a composite resin material, eliminating the need for laboratory work or long waits between consultation and treatment. It’s quick and efficient.
The Dental Bonding Process
So what happens when you get dental bonding for tooth restoration?
The dental bonding process typically involves several steps. First, the tooth is prepared by lightly etching the surface and applying a conditioning gel to facilitate bonding. By etching the tooth, the dentist is making it more “grippy.”
The dentist then chooses a resin color that matches the natural shade of the patient’s tooth. They’ll then apply the resin to the patient’s teeth and start to shape it so it looks natural. Once the resin is shaped, the dentist will use a special light to harden it and make sure that it’s sturdy and strong.
The dentist will do some quick final touches, such as polishing and refining, to achieve a seamless, natural appearance. The patient will be able to look at the end results in the mirror while assessing how their teeth feel and then make any minor last-minute changes if necessary.
This all happens during one appointment. Patients often have preliminary appointments so the dentist can assess their needs first, generally during an oral health check-up. Because bonding takes a bit of time, the dentist wants to be able to use the entire appointment time for the process.
Common Uses of Dental Bonding
So why would one need dental bonding? Dental bonding serves multiple purposes in the world of cosmetic dentistry.
Many top dentists use dental bonding to repair chipped or cracked teeth, fill cavities with tooth-colored resin for a more natural and aesthetically pleasing result, close gaps or spaces between teeth, correct minor tooth misalignments, reshape irregularly shaped teeth, and cover stubborn stains or discoloration that won’t go away with whitening treatments.
Dental bonding provides a quick and effective solution for these dental issues.
Advantages of Dental Bonding
There are several advantages to choosing dental bonding as a cosmetic dental treatment.
First, it is a cost-effective option compared to alternatives like veneers or crowns. While all cosmetic dental work can be expensive, veneers tend to be in the realm of “luxury” cosmetic dentistry. Crowns, depending on their purpose, can also be quite pricey.
Dental bonding is also a minimally invasive procedure. It doesn’t require any type of sedation unless the patient requests it (patients with severe dental anxiety may request sedation). The treatment is quick and efficient and you can complete it in a single dental visit.
Dental bonding also provides natural-looking results. Bonded teeth blend well with the surrounding teeth.
Caring for teeth post-dental bonding is also easy. You treat your teeth as you always have, making sure to brush and floss every day.
Limitations of Dental Bonding
While dental bonding is a versatile treatment, it does have some limitations.
It may not be suitable for extensive tooth damage or large cavities. It’s better for smaller cosmetic issues or minor cracks.
Sometimes more extensive treatments like veneers or crowns may be necessary.
Dental bonding can be susceptible to staining or discoloration over time. That said, this is also true for veneers and crowns.
While dental bonding has durable results, you may still need future maintenance. As long as you’re seeing your dentist twice per year for appointments, they’ll catch any problems and let you know when it’s time for a quick touch-up.
It’s important to consider these factors when deciding on the most appropriate treatment option for you.
Dental Bonding Aftercare
Dental bonding aftercare is easy.
Make sure you practice good oral hygiene. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
Try avoiding any habits that can damage the bonded teeth (or your natural teeth). These include things like biting on hard objects or using teeth as tools. You should also do your best to avoid staining foods.
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings will allow dentists to monitor the condition of the bonding and address any concerns or issues right away.
Is Dental Bonding Right for You?
If you’re in need of a smile makeover, dental bonding might be the best choice for you!
It’s a quick procedure that has fantastic results that look and feel natural. Dental bonding can fix many types of tooth damage, so whether you’ve got cracks, discoloration, or even moderate chips, a dentist should be able to help.
You deserve a smile you love!
For more helpful articles about dental health and more, don’t forget to check out the rest of the site.
If you’re interested to find out more about dental implants visit The Point Dental.
