Having a chipped, discolored, pitted, or decayed tooth can ruin your otherwise brilliant smile. But not to worry – there is an effective and affordable solution known as dental bonding.
Bonding is a process where a tooth-colored resin is applied to the tooth to conceal imperfections such as small gaps, minor chips, pitting, or yellowing. Not only is dental bonding used for cosmetic purposes, but it can also fill cavities and protect the root of a tooth exposed by receding gums.
Best of all, the process is relatively simple: It only takes about 30-60 minutes, it can be performed in a regular dental office, and it doesn’t require anesthesia unless it involves repairing a decayed tooth.
How Does Dental Bonding Work?
Your dentist will refer to a tooth-shade guide to create a composite resin that matches the color of your tooth. Then the surface of the tooth is coarsened, and a conditioning liquid is applied. This is done to ensure that the bonding material will adhere to the tooth.
Next, the resin is applied, molded, and rounded to the preferred shape. The dentist then uses an ultraviolet light or laser to help harden the resin, and the dentist trims and shapes the bonding so it looks natural.
Finally, the dental bonding is polished so that it matches the rest of the tooth surface.
Are Porcelain Veneers Better?
You may be wondering how dental bonding differs from porcelain veneers, which is designed to achieve a similar restorative result. Whereas a veneer is a custom-made, laboratory-created layer of thin material that is placed over the surface of a tooth to protect its damaged surface or improve its appearance, dental bonding is a simpler, quicker, and less expensive alternative.
Although a veneer can last longer than a dental bond (10-25 years for a veneer, compared to 5-10 years for bonding), the process of dental bonding is much less invasive. Another benefit of dental bonding compared to veneers and crowns is that it requires little if any removal of tooth enamel before placement.
The only potential drawback to dental bonding is that the material used is not as strong as your real teeth (nor as strong as porcelain veneers), so biting down on hard objects or chewing sticky foods could hasten the need for replacement after a few years.
Consult with your dentist to determine whether your teeth are suitable for dental bonding, or if you need a more invasive procedure.
How to Maintain Dental Bonding
If you do undergo dental bonding, you’ll need to maintain the same good oral hygiene as with your natural teeth. That means brushing at least twice per day and flossing daily. Routine dental checkups are also advised. That way, your dentist can keep tabs on the condition of your dental bonds.
Also, you should avoid hard food and using your teeth as tools – such as hard candies, chewing ice, biting your fingernails, and chewing on pens – to prevent chipping. If you do inadvertently chip a bonded tooth, visit your dentist promptly to correct the problem.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Las Vegas
Dedicated Dental in Henderson, Nevada, specializes in all aspects of family dentistry – including diagnosing and treating dental conditions, and fixing flaws in your teeth.
To find out if dental bonding is right for you, contact us today to schedule an appointment by calling (702) 566-5509, or fill out our appointment request form. Together, we’ll provide you with a lifetime of optimal oral health – and a dazzling smile.
