Improving the way your teeth look is a great way to improve your confidence and the way other people perceive you. The problem, however, is that many people avoid dentistry because they’re afraid the process will take too long, cost too much, and/or be too painful.
But we have great news….with dental bonding, that isn’t the case!
Dental bonding is a quick, easy, cost-effective, and painless way to provide cosmetic treatment to patients looking to improve their smile.
Imagine: your chipped or misshapen teeth could be corrected in less than an hour! If that sounds like something you’re interested in, then keep reading this article as we’ll explain what dental bonding is, how the procedure works, and who is the ideal patient for cosmetic bonding.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a very popular restoration procedure. It is simply the application of a tooth-colored composite resin (plastic) to repair a tooth. It is a great way to fix the following proble
- Decaying teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Fractured teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Close gaps between teeth
- Misshapen teeth
Dental bonding is different from veneers because bonding can be done in a single visit. Veneers, on the other hand, must be manufactured in a lab and require a customized mold to achieve a perfect fit.
Your dentist can shape the way your dental bonding looks in the office, giving you a restored smile in less than an hour (in most cases).
What is the process of receiving dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a safe and proven method that was developed more than 50 years ago. As you can imagine, the processes have improved in that time, making bonding a quicker, easier, and more effective process for both patient and dentist.
Here at Dental Expressions by Dr. Gary Bram, the bonding procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. For cosmetic restorations, anesthesia is rarely needed because cosmetic bonding is pain-free.
- First, we determine your teeth’s exact color, translucency, and texture so we can choose a resin that will blend naturally with your teeth.
- Next, we prepare the tooth by slightly roughening its surface and applying a bonding agent that will help the bonding material adhere to the tooth.
- We then apply the composite resin to the area and cure it with ultraviolet light.
- Once hardened, we shape and polish the resin to give it the natural look you want to achieve.
How do I care for my dental bonding?
You can care for your dental bonding in the same way you care for your teeth. Regularly brushing and flossing is an important part of maintaining oral hygiene, and this is no different after you’ve received bonding. You should also continue getting your teeth cleaned regularly by a professional.
It’s important to remember that bonding is not as stain-resistant as veneers, so keeping them clean and avoiding things like excessive tea, coffee, and cigarette smoke will help maintain their color and shade.
Although bonding is strong, it typically won’t last forever. The composite resin isn’t as strong as our natural teeth and things like biting down on hard foods, ice, or fingernails can cause them to crack. Fortunately, dental bonding will typically last for several years and can be repaired easily.
Is dental bonding the right cosmetic treatment for you?
If you’re looking for a quick and easy fix to cosmetic problems like chipped teeth, misshapen teeth, or gaps in your teeth, then dental bonding could be a great option for you. It’s cost effective and can be done in a single day, and it can also help prevent further damage and decay.
If, however, you have more severe oral health issues like a misaligned bite, then other treatments might be required. While bonding could possibly provide a temporary fix, ignoring the misaligned bite can cause significant damage and additional pain.
If you need to replace teeth or get a complete smile makeover, we also offer treatments like dental implants, dark gum treatment, veneers, and porcelain crowns. In the following video, Dr. Bram discusses some of these cosmetic options:
