Dental BondingDental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry treatment that can effectively transform a discolored, misshapen, or damaged tooth. If you have an imperfect tooth that is spoiling your smile, contact us at Avery Dental Center to see what we can do to help. What Is Bonding?Dental bonding is a versatile procedure that can be used to repair chipped, stained, and damaged teeth. It can also get rid of small gaps between teeth and make short teeth appear longer. The treatment involves applying composite resin materials directly onto the tooth and sculpting it until it looks like natural enamel. Dental bonding is an alternative for those who are unable to wear braces or have dental veneers. It can also be used as a cosmetic enhancement in addition to other treatments, such as teeth whitening, to supercharge your smile. What Happens During the Bonding Procedure?The dentist will clean the tooth to ensure it is free of bacteria or food particles. The resin is prepared using a shade guide so that it closely matches the color of your other teeth. The surface of the tooth is roughened slightly to provide a better surface for the resin to adhere to, and a conditioning liquid applied to the tooth. The composite resin materials are then placed and molded onto the surface of your teeth, along with a light-curing lamp that helps cure the bonding material. A polish completes the procedure. Does Bonding Ruin Teeth?Dental bonding does not hurt your teeth. It is a non-invasive procedure where the tooth's structure remains intact. It does not cause any damage to the teeth. What Are the Benefits of Bonding?Dental bonding can improve your smile and self-esteem, it is an affordable treatment solution for those who cannot afford braces or dental veneers, and fixes minor issues like chips in your tooth or silver fillings from when you were young without removing the original filling material. The procedure requires no special preparation and can be carried out without anesthetic because the tooth's structure is not interfered with. Furthermore, it only takes around 30 minutes per tooth. Itt is a quick solution that does not require multiple visits to the dentist as crowns and veneers do. The treatment is reasonably inexpensive, particularly in comparison to other cosmetic dentistry treatments. Caring for Bonded TeethThe bonding material is not as strong as natural teeth. Thus, it is crucial that you avoid chewing hard foods, including ice, biting fingernails, chewing pens, or tearing packets open with your bonded teeth. If you have habits that exert excessive force on the teeth, such as grinding your teeth or jaw clenching (bruxism), you may not be a suitable candidate for the procedure. How long does dental bonding last?If cared for properly, with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist to avoid plaque build-up (which can weaken them) they could potentially have a lifetime lifespan. However, much will depend on where in the mouth they are and that you do not subject them to undue stress, which can include crunching ice cubes, nail-biting, and teeth grinding. To find out more about dental bonding and whether you are a suitable candidate, schedule an appointment with us at Avery Dental Center by calling (380) 257-1684. |