Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that uses a material called resin composite. This material is applied to your teeth in the areas that require adjustments. Resin composite can be closely matched to the color of your natural teeth; thus, it looks natural in the mouth. In this article, we discuss which cosmetic issues dental bonding can address.
Which Cosmetic Issues Can Dental Bonding Address?
Dental bonding is a versatile cosmetic solution that can be used on its own or in combination with other treatments or cosmetic procedures. Mainly, dental bonding is effective in the following cases:
Cracked or Chipped Teeth
Dental bonding is most effective for not very extensive external damage to the tooth, such as cracks or chips. The bonding can be added to elongate the chipped tooth or to mask a crack. However, if the damage is internal, for example, that affected the root of the tooth, you will most likely need to have root canal treatment or similar procedures first.
Stained or Discolored Teeth
Some types of stains on teeth can not be removed with whitening. These are usually stains that are located in deeper layers of the tooth and can be caused by, for instance, trauma. Dental bonding can cover such stains and make the tooth look unified in color with the rest of your teeth.
Minor Gaps Between Teeth
If you have significant gaps between your teeth, the issue is probably better to be addressed with an orthodontic treatment or veneers. However, if the gaps are small, dental bonding can help adjust the width of the teeth between which the gap is located and mask it completely.
Misshapen Teeth or Teeth Uneven in Size
Dental bonding techniques can help elongate or widen the teeth, which look shorter or smaller than the rest, making your smile look more unified. Bonding can also be used to make the front teeth appear longer.
What Does Dental Bonding Procedure Look Like?
Before the procedure, your dentist will examine your teeth and discuss the goals you want to achieve with dental bonding. Also, an x-ray will be taken to ensure that you are eligible for dental bonding. In cases when patients have gum disease, tooth decay, or cavities, they need to be treated before the bonding. You also might be recommended to have a professional dental cleaning first.
The procedure of dental bonding begins with selecting the shade of the material that will match the color of your natural teeth as closely as possible. Then, the tooth will be prepared to receive the bonding material. The surface of the tooth is roughened and covered with a conditioning liquid so that the resin composite can adhere to it.
Once the tooth is prepared, resin composite is applied to the area that requires adjustments. Then, it is molded to achieve the desired results. After that, your dentist will use a special light to harden the material and bond it with the tooth. As a last step, the tooth is polished so that it looks naturally smooth.
Advantages of Dental Bonding Compared to Other Cosmetic Procedures
The main procedure that has similar functions to dental bonding is veneers. However, there are several differences between the two:
- Dental bonding requires no or minor alteration done to the tooth in preparation for the procedure compared to dental veneers. Typically, before veneers are applied, some of the enamel of the teeth has to be filed down so that the veneers can fit.
- Dental bonding is typically used to mask only that part of the tooth that requires alteration, while veneer covers the whole front side of the tooth.
- Dental bonding can be done as fast as in one dental visit. The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete the treatment of one tooth. Typically, getting dental veneers takes multiple visits.
- Dental bonding can be reversed—taken off so that your tooth is in its initial state. Veneers are not reversible due to enamel removal prior to the procedure.
One of the disadvantages of dental bonding is that it might not last as long as dental veneers before it needs to be replaced.
Make an Appointment Today
Do not hesitate to make an appointment with a highly qualified dentist in Anaheim if you are considering a dental bonding procedure. We use up-to-date methods and top-quality materials to deliver reliable results in a stress-free environment. We are looking forward to your visit to our dental office.