What is Cosmetic Dentistry? Here’s is What You Need to Know

Dec 01, 2020

Cracked and chipped teeth are unattractive and can affect your smile. What can you do when you have healthy teeth with minor chips and cracks that can trap food particles? Get cosmetic dental bonding. Teeth bonding is an affordable and convenient way to restore your teeth’s appearance.

What is Dental Bonding?

Tooth bonding is the fixing of a composite resin to one or more teeth to repair damage and restore your smile. Bonding is considerably less expensive compared to other dental procedures like veneers and crowns.

When Is It Done?

Our dentist can recommend dental bonding if you have:

• Decayed teeth. The composite resin is used to fix teeth cavities.
• Chipped and cracked teeth
• Discolored teeth. When you have stains on your teeth, the dentist may first perform teeth whitening. However, for severe teeth discoloration, dental bonding can be an ideal solution.
• Oddly shaped and smaller teeth.
• Gum recession. The dentist can use resin composite to cover the exposed gums.

How are the Teeth Bonded?

Dental bonding is a non-invasive procedure done in one dental visit, and it is done in a few steps:

• Dental examination and preparation

The dentist will first do a thorough assessment of your teeth and gums to check for decay. A root canal may be performed if you have severe decay.

The teeth also need to be prepared a little to make it easy for the resin to bond. Anesthesia is not needed unless the decay is present and needs to be removed. A shade guide is used to select the appropriate color to match your teeth.

• The bonding process

The teeth’ surface is roughened, and a conditioning liquid is applied to make the teeth ready for the bonding process. The dentist will apply the putty-like resin on the teeth to mold it to the desired shape. The resin is hardened using blue light or laser. He will trim and reshape the resin to the correct size. The teeth are then polished to match the rest of the teeth.

What are the Pros and Cons of Dental Bonding?

Tooth bonding is an easy cosmetic procedure that can improve your smile in minutes. Unlike other treatments like veneers and crowns, bonding is done in one single visit. Plus, it is not made in the lab and does not need reshaping of the teeth. And, unless the dental filling is required, you don’t require anesthesia.

While cosmetic dental bonding is ideal, it has its limitations.

Composite resin is not as durable and does not last as long as the dental crowns and veneers. Furthermore, they are not resistant to stains. Overconsumption of wine, coffee, and tea can cause the bonded to discolor. Remember, one of the composite resin is fixed, the shade can be changed. Once the teeth discolor, the bonded teeth will discolor.

Because of the limitations, dental bonding is only used for minor dental changes. Plus, only the front teeth (areas with low bite pressure) can be bonded. If you have severe cracks and chips, the dentist may recommend veneers or crowns. They fix the same dental imperfections but are strong and durable.

How Long Do Bonded Teeth Last?

Bonded teeth last for three to ten years, depending on your dental hygiene and practices.

• Brush, floss, and rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash.
• Avoid engaging in practices such as biting fingernails, chewing ice, pens, and other hard foods.
• Limit your intake of coffee, wine, and tea to avoid staining your teeth. If you do drink the beverages, brush your teeth immediately.
• Visit the dentist for regular cleaning and examination to assess the bonding.

If the bonded teeth crack or chip, visit our dentist for treatment, probably a change in the teeth bonding.

How Much Does Tooth Bonding Cost?

The cost of bonding your teeth will depend on the number of teeth that need bonding and where you live. Because it is a cosmetic dentistry treatment, bonding is not covered by insurance.

Contact Town & Country Dentistry for more information on the cost and what the dental bonding procedure involves.