How To Alter Your Smile Using Dental Bonding

Do you feel insecure or embarrassed about your smile due to cracked, discolored, chipped, decayed, or uneven teeth? Thanks to dental bonding, you can now show off your beautiful smile. Getting a dental bonding is non-invasive, quick, and pain-free. Bonding solves minor dental imperfections. For moderate to complex teeth damage, you would want to do advanced treatments such as crowns.

If you’re considering dental bonding treatment, you should begin by visiting a dental office near you for an exam. The dentist will review your condition and recommend the appropriate treatment plan. The dentist will discuss the treatment details and get you scheduled if you’re a good candidate.

What Does Bonding Involve?

Bonding is the process of applying a malleable material to a damaged tooth to repair and hide the damage. Bonding seeks to restore the tooth’s standard size, shape, and color. The treatment can also close improper teeth gaps.

The treatment uses tooth-colored composite resin material to ensure that the repaired tooth looks natural and blends well with the rest of your teeth. It dramatically enhances the damaged tooth’s appearance and gives you that brilliant smile. Composite bonding replaces amalgam or silver fillings thanks to their tooth-looking shade.

Dental Bonding Procedure

Dental bonding transforms your smile into a pain-free, easy, and straightforward procedure. In most cases, anesthesia is not required and the entire process can usually be completed in a single appointment.

The dentist begins by etching or roughening the tooth’s enamel to make it easier for the bonding material to adhere properly. Next, the dentist applies a bonding material to the tooth and a composite resin in layers.

The resin is then molded and shaped to match the rest of the teeth’ shape, size, texture, and appearance. Lastly, the bonding material is activated using ultraviolet light, and the tooth is polished to give it a natural-looking finish.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Dental Bonding?

The most common reasons to consider dental bonding include:

• To close improper tooth gaps
• Lengthen short teeth
• Whiten or brighten stained or discolored teeth
• Repair tooth chips and cracks
• Create an even smile

How Long Does Bonding Last?

Dental bonding lifespan depends on a few factors, including:

• Dental hygiene and habits – Dental bonding typically can last for 3-10 years with proper dental care and practices. Poor dental hygiene and damaging habits such as chewing hard foods and smoking can cause the bonded tooth to crack, chip, or discolor.
• The location of the bonded tooth – Front tooth restorations last longer than back teeth restorations, where there is more wear and tear due to chewing and grinding.

Most bonding patients have their treatment intact for about 10-15 years or longer. Fortunately, even if the bonding is worn-out or stained, it’s easy to replace or add on. Even better, caring for the bonded teeth is easy. You don’t need any special techniques, tools, or dental products to maintain your smile. Use these tips to care for your mouth after dental bonding:

• Brush and floss daily. The bonded tooth is still vulnerable to bacterial infections, cavities, and tooth decay.
• Avoid damaging habits. Habits such as chewing ice, hard food, and non-food items such as pens, nails, and pencils can cause the bonded tooth to crack, chip, or break. Smoking and tobacco products are also likely to cause stubborn stains.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth.
• Use the right dental products. Harsh and abrasive materials can cause the bonding material to wear out much faster.
• Consume a healthy diet.
• Avoid or limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages as they increase your risk of developing a bacterial infection, cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay.
• If you have bruxism, get a customized mouthguard from your dentist.
• Use a sports mouthguard during physical contact activities.
• Schedule routine dental assessments and cleanings.
• Avoid highly pigmented items such as coffee, tea, sauces, berries, and wine to prevent discoloring the bonding material.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Belknap Dental Associates today to book your appointment for more information about cosmetic bonding services.