Do you suffer from an unsightly smile that you are embarrassed about or causes you to have self-esteem issues? The good news is that cosmetic dentistry offers a variety of choices to help you regain a healthy smile. One of the ways to remove stains, repair chips, or fix gaps from the tooth structure is dental bonding. It has the power to transform any smile in an instant.
Dental bonding is a non-invasive dental procedure used to alter the appearance of teeth. This form of cosmetic dentistry has quickly risen in popularity and is often used as an alternative to veneers. To achieve results, cosmetic dental surgeons apply the resin material to the teeth using adhesives and a special curing light. Dental bonding is ideal for people who are on a budget and have minor tooth flaws.
However, dental bonding may not be for everyone. Do you want to know if you are a candidate for cosmetic dental bonding?
Candidates for Dental Bonding
Good candidates for dental bonding include:
- People with healthy but stained teeth
- People with no holes in their teeth or cavities
- People who have aesthetic problems with their teeth
- People with tooth fractures or chips
- People who have decayed teeth that need to be filled
- People with misshapen teeth or teeth that appear short
Remember, you can only get dental bonding if you have teeth with roots that are in great condition. Your enamel should also be intact. You may be disqualified if you need to remove your tooth due to a cavity. Also, you should be free of advanced gum disease. Any oral issues have to be treated before performing dental bonding.
What Is Involved in Dental Bonding?
The process of dental bonding takes about 30-60 minutes per tooth. Only specialized cosmetic dentists can perform this procedure. Before the procedure, a bonding material that closely matches the patient’s tooth is selected. A mild etching solution is applied to the tooth to hold the bonding material in place.
The dentist then applies the bonding material on the tooth and carefully sculptures it to match the rest of the teeth. After achieving the ideal shape and size, the dentist directs laser or ultraviolet light to the resin to harden it. To achieve the best outcome, the dentist will polish the hardened bonding material, smoothening the surface and giving it a shiny look.
Advantages of Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is easy and inexpensive. Unlike crowns and veneers that require tooth coverings that are customized, dental bonding is not complicated. You can get dental bonding in one office visit and go back to your normal daily activities unless several teeth are involved. During dental bonding, the use of anesthesia is optional. Additionally, compared to crowns and veneers, very little enamel is removed during dental bonding.
If you want to enjoy your perfect smile for long after dental bonding, you need to maintain good oral care. Dental bonding does not resist stains.
To know whether you are a candidate for cosmetic dental bonding, visit Andrew J. Holloman, DDS & Associates, at our office in Clearwater, Florida. You can also call (727) 245-0027 to book an appointment today.