Do you have a chipped or cracked tooth, or are you unhappy with the color or shape of your teeth? Have you been putting off going to the dentist? Well, there are simple and exciting ways that your dentist can improve the health of your mouth and the beauty of your smile. There are plenty of procedures that your dentist can perform to correct tooth decay or cosmetic defects, with composite bonding being a quick and cost effective option.
What is Composite Bonding?
Composite bonding is a special process that utilizes tooth-colored composite resin, a material made of plastic, fillers and modifiers, to repair or improve the cosmetic appearance of teeth. It can be used to repair tooth decay or chipped or cracked teeth, close spaces between teeth, change the shape of teeth, or correct tooth discoloration. It can also be used as an alternative to the traditional amalgam (metallic) fillings, and to protect the tooth’s root that has been exposed by gum disease.
Generally, bonding does not require anesthesia unless it is being used to repair decay. Your dentist will pick a shade of resin that most naturally blends with the color of your teeth. If there is decay, your dentist will remove it. Then a special liquid will be administered on the tooth that roughens its surface so that the bonding will adhere better. When the composite resin is applied, it has a consistency like putty. This way, your dentist will be able to mold it to look like a natural part of your tooth. Next, an ultraviolet light or laser is used to rapidly harden the resin. After the bonding is hard, it can be further trimmed, shaped and polished to match the natural tooth.
After the procedure, it is up to you to take care of your teeth to preserve the benefits of bonding. You should maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing every day, and visit your dentist at least twice per year. After eating, you should always drink plenty of water to remove food particles and decrease the acidity in your mouth. You should also decrease the amount of coffee, tea, and red wine you drink, and quit smoking if you smoke.
What are the Advantages?
There are many advantages to using composite bonding in most situations. As opposed to the alternatives of veneers or crowns, which are tooth coverings that have to be manufactured in a lab, bonding is quick, easy and less expensive. Unless multiple teeth are being repaired, it is usually done in one office visit. It is safe, and only requires local anesthesia when being used to fill a cavity. Composite bonding is a great way to hide imperfections in your teeth, because it fills chips and cracks, and can cover stains. Your dentist can also use it to reshape your tooth for a more cosmetically appealing look. If you want to get rid of the silver in your mouth from amalgam fillings, you can ask your dentist to replace them with bonding. Finally, all other options for repairing decay and improving the appearance of your teeth, including veneers, crowns, and amalgam fillings, require considerably more drilling; this destroys more of your natural tooth than does the process of bonding.
What’s New?
New advances in technology have made composite bonding even more attractive. The latest materials available for use have what are called bioactive properties. That means that they can actually create a response from living tissue. When specialized fillers are added to the bonding resin, a “smart” material is formed. This material stimulates the formation of protective crystals where the tooth and resin meet, triggering the growth of a more natural bond. This new crystalized layer fills in microscopic gaps, seals spaces and helps prevent not only future decay, but also potential staining.
Composite bonding is a great way to not only restore your teeth, but also give you the smile you always wanted. If you think it might be right for you, we would be happy to answer your questions and discuss all the treatment options available to you. To find out more about composite bonding, or any other dental services, please call Dedicated Dental today at (702) 566-5509, or request an appointment online.
