Dental Bonding Procedure
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that can be used to mask tooth discolorations and fill in gapped and chipped teeth. While bonding is an effective aesthetic dental solution, it is not an appropriate treatment for severely damaged or decayed teeth.
Patients that have cavities, gum disease, or other dental health problems will need to have their teeth restored back to health prior to undergoing cosmetic bonding treatment. Consult a local dentist to find out if you are a good candidate for the dental bonding procedure.
Candidates for Dental Bonding
Dentists use the dental bonding procedure to correct various cosmetic issues, including:
- Fill in cracks, gaps, or chips
- Cover stains
- Lengthen the teeth
- Improve the shape of the teeth
- Repair mild areas of decay on the front teeth
During the Procedure
To begin the teeth bonding procedure, the dentist selects a composite resin (dental bonding material) that matches the natural shade of your teeth. In most cases, your dental bonding procedure can be performed in one appointment and Novocain is not required unless your dentist needs to clean out and treat decaying teeth.
Next, your teeth will be prepared for the bonding solution by roughening the surface of the teeth. Your dentist will then apply the tooth-colored resin to the tooth and smooth it into the ideal shape. A light is then directed at the treated tooth to harden and strengthen the bonding material. Finally, your dentist will refine the shape and bite of the tooth so it blends in with surrounding teeth.
Teeth bonding can usually be completed in one office visit, depending on the extent of repair needed. Even if treatment needs to be performed over two or more visits, you will be pleased to notice a significant difference in your smile after the first treatment. A cosmetic dentist can work out an individual plan for your dental bonding needs after a consultation and initial dental examination.
Dental bonding is an excellent treatment for patients seeking to improve the appearance of otherwise healthy teeth. However, the bonding material that is used during treatment is not as strong and durable as dental fillings and crowns. If you have significantly damaged teeth, your dentist will probably recommend alternative treatment options to get your teeth and gums in good health.
Dental Bonding Alternatives
Dental bonding materials are not as strong and durable as dental fillings, crowns, or veneers, though dental bonding is typically less expensive and extensive. Dental bonding is a great treatment option for patients that have minor cosmetic dental flaws they would like to address. When patients have significant amounts of dental decay or damage, the placement of dental fillings and crowns is generally the recommended course of treatment. In patients who have major cosmetic flaws they would like to fix, the placement of porcelain veneers is usually the preferred treatment option.
Contact a Dentist
If your teeth and gums are in good health and you are interested in improving the appearance of your smile, contact a local cosmetic dentist to find out if dental bonding is the right solution for you. During your appointment, your dentist can go over the risks and benefits of treatment with you.
Keyword Tags:
