Cosmetic dental procedures have gained a lot of popularity over the years. A person’s smile can drastically affect their appearance. The popularity of cosmetic dentistry can be attributed to the fact that 4 out of 5 people have misaligned teeth.
One such dental procedure that improves the appearance of a person’s smile is that of dental bonding. A resin layer colored the same as the surface of the tooth is placed over the teeth.
The layer of resin is bonded with the teeth using an adhesive which is known as the bonding material. This is rapidly dried up using a chemical light which hardens the adhesive.
Preparation for the Procedure
Very little preparation is required before the dental bonding procedure. A shade guide will be used by the doctor in order to determine which color is the closest to the color of your teeth. Although anesthesia is not traditionally required, it may be administered in case of a filling.
The Bonding Procedure
This entails roughening the surface of the tooth and applying a conditioning liquid. The conditioning liquid allows the bonding material to attach to the surface of the tooth. The resin which has the same consistency as putty is then applied to the surface and molded according to the shape of the teeth.
The material is then exposed to an ultraviolet light in order to harden it. Once hardened, the doctor will then continue to trim, shape and polish the material until it is satisfactory.
The procedure typically takes anywhere between thirty minutes to an hour.
Why Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is typically administered in order to correct the following issues:
- Decayed teeth
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Discoloration of teeth
- Closed spaces between teeth
- Short teeth
- Misshapen or misaligned teeth
- Alternative to amalgam fillings
- Protect exposed roots due to receding gums
The Pros and Cons
Dental bonding is an extremely easy procedure and is opted for because of its cost effectiveness. Unlike veneers and crowns, they don’t require a lab visit for preparation and can actually be done within one dentist visit.
Another advantage of opting for bonding in place of veneers or crowns is that they require the least amount of the tooth surface to be removed. Anesthesia is rarely required. The only time that any preparation is required for the procedure is when there is more than one tooth involved.
When opting for dental bonding however you must keep in mind that the procedure is not really permanent. The stain resistance isn’t as effective as crowns or veneers. Chipping and breaking of the bonding material over time is also common which means that they don’t have the same life as veneers, crowns or fillings.
Dental bonding is mainly used on teeth where the bite typically has the lowest pressure. Since dental bonding is rather limited in nature but cost effective, doctors suggest it to be used mainly for cosmetic reasons.
Come and visit our practice for a consultation to find out the best way to take to care of your smile!
