Dental Bonding
Cosmetic dentists often use dental bonding as the go-to treatment for minor aesthetic changes, as well as tooth restoration. A bonding procedure can help correct teeth in areas of low bite pressure, such as the front teeth in particular. If you feel that you could be a candidate for dental bonding, read below for a general overview, uses, the procedure itself, and other important information.
Dentists will tell you that tooth bonding is the application of a tooth-colored resin material using a combination of adhesives and high intensity curing light. Why is it called bonding, you might ask? Well, the materials are bonded to the tooth.
Your dentist may consider dental bonding to fix the following issues:
- To repair decayed teeth
- To repair chipped or cracked teeth
- To reshape, lengthen, or lighten existing teeth for aesthetic purposes
- To close spaces between teeth
- To protect a portion of the tooth’s root that has been exposed once gums begin to recede
Dental Bonding Procedure
Unless the bonding is used to fill a decayed tooth, anesthesia is not required during the procedure. Our dentist will match the shade of your existing teeth to select a composite resin color to match the color of your tooth. Depending on your needs, a cosmetic dentist will choose between direct composite bonding and adhesive bonding.
Direct composite bonding involves the use of tooth-colored composites to fill cavities, repair chips or cracks, close gaps between your teeth, as well as build up the worn-down edges of teeth. Adhesive bonding, on the other hand, consists of attaching a restoration to a tooth. Dentists often use adhesive bonding for crowns, porcelain veneers, bridges, and inlays/onlays.
What to Consider
Most patients don’t know that dental bonding is one of the most common and simplest cosmetic dentistry procedures. Unless multiple teeth are involved, the procedure can usually be completed in one office visit. In contrast to veneers and crowns, dental bonding requires little (if any) removal of tooth enamel.
While there are a number of advantages that come with dental bonding, it’s important for patients to know that there are some limitations. For example, bonding only last a few years before repair is needed, and bonding is not as strong as restorative procedures such as crowns, veneers, or fillings. When you speak with your dentist, they may see bonding as more ideal for small cosmetic changes, temporary correction of cosmetic defects, and correction of teeth in areas of low bite pressure.
Initial Consultation
As with our other services provided at Avue Cosmetic Dentistry, we stress the importance of an initial consultation prior to treatment. Dr. Trent Nguyen will always provide optimal and alternative treatment plans so that patients can make the most informed decisions regarding their oral health. For years, Dr. Nguyen has been helping patients in Plano enjoy happier lives with a confident smile.
Contact our dental office today should you have any question regarding our dental bonding procedure or other treatment. We look forward to welcoming you to our office!
