Your teeth are constantly visible whether you’re smiling, laughing at a joke, or simply conversing with a buddy. Unfortunately, flaws like chipped, stained, or discolored teeth are all too prevalent and can detract from the appearance of a smile.
When you’re self-conscious about the appearance of your smile due to tiny flaws, your self-esteem may suffer. But don’t lose hope—cosmetic dental bonding can fix those issues, so you can feel free to flash your pearly whites.
In this article, we will run you through everything you need to know about cosmetic bonding and whether it will work for you.
Understanding Cosmetic Bonding
Tooth bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that includes coating your teeth with a custom-colored composite resin. It can help with a variety of issues, including:
- Gaps in between the teeth
- Irregularly formed or chipped teeth
- Teeth that are broken or fractured
- Degradation and discoloration of teeth due to tooth decay
- Teeth that are too short
- Exposed roots due to receding gum lines
Cosmetic bonding is a terrific option for individuals who aren’t interested in or don’t qualify for veneers. Bonding is often preferred over veneers since it is less costly and does not usually necessitate the removal of tooth enamel.
Cosmetic dental bonding, unlike veneers, may be completed entirely in-house at your dentist’s office. It’s also possible to complete the procedure in one visit if you simply have one or a few teeth restored.
Preparing for the Procedure
Dental bonding requires little to no preparation on your part. Ensure your teeth are clean and flossed when arriving at the dentist’s office.
The bonding resin will then be prepared, and your dentist will choose a color that matches your teeth. The resin is a putty-like substance that can be molded into forms that fit your teeth best.
If the dentist needs to drill out and smooth down your teeth, or if the damaged region is close to a nerve, a local anesthetic may be necessary. However, you won’t require an anesthetic if you’re simply having simple repairs.
The Procedure
Roughening the tooth’s surface is the first step in the bonding process. The cosmetic dentist will apply a conditioning solution to your teeth to aid the resin’s adhesion.
The resin will then be applied to your teeth and molded into form. After smoothing it down, the dentist will shine a strong light on the resin. UVA rays are used under this light to cure and solidify the resin in seconds.
Finally, the resin will be smoothed and trimmed until it feels and looks natural in your mouth. Depending on the complexity of the case, the treatment might take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour per tooth.
Care after the Procedure
You may suffer tooth sensitivity for a few days following your bonding operation, especially if the enamel is removed. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed and eat light, soft foods that aren’t too hot or cold to help with this. Apart from that, keep brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day as usual.
How Long Can You Expect the Results to Last?
It’s vital to note that the bonding resin isn’t as strong as your natural teeth. As a result, you’ll need to avoid activities that might harm your teeth. Simply put, chewing on ice, biting pens and pencils, and chewing your fingernails are bad habits you need to stop doing.
Grinding can cause the resin to wear down and chip off considerably faster than regular wear and tear. If you grind your teeth at night, you might consider investing in a night mouth guard.
Conclusion
Cosmetic dental bonding is an effective and relatively easy way to improve the appearance of your teeth. Cosmetic bonding might be an excellent option if you’re looking to fill in gaps between your teeth or repair a chipped tooth.
Are you looking for Weston, MA dentists? Weston Dental Specialists Group specializes in smile restoration through various cosmetic dentistry services. Request an appointment today!