What Is Cosmetic Bonding?

Tooth bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves applying a custom-tinted composite resin to your teeth. This can rectify a series of common complaints, including:

• Tooth gap
• Irregularly shaped or bitten tooth
• Broken or cracked teeth
• Discoloration and decay
• Small teeth
• Protection of exposed roots (due to decreased gumlines)

Cosmetic Bonding is a great option for those who are not inclined or qualified for the veneer. Many people prefer to wear a veneer because it is less expensive and does not always need to shave their tooth enamel.

How Does Cosmetic Dental Bonding Work?

Unlike veneers, cosmetic dental bonding can be done entirely at home in your dental clinic. And if you are only getting one or a few teeth repaired, it is possible to complete the process in one visit.

Preparation

There is no preparation required for dental bonding on your end. Come to the dentist’s office with your teeth and clean them (if you are overdoing for a cleanup, make sure before your bonding appointment).

Your dentist will then choose a color that matches your teeth and prepare the bonding resin. The resin itself is a putty-like material that can be molded into desired shapes.

Local anesthesia may be required if the dentist has to drill and lubricate their teeth or if the affected area is near a nerve. But if you are only repairing the surface, no anesthesia is needed.

The Procedure

The bonding process begins with the thickening of the tooth surface. The dentist will then apply a conditioning fluid that will help the resin stick to your teeth.

Next, they will apply the resin to your teeth and shape them. After smoothing it down, the dentist will shine a bright light on the resin. This light uses UVA waves to cure and harden the resin in just seconds.

Finally, they will smooth and trim the resin until it looks and feels natural in your mouth. The entire process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour for each tooth, depending on how much repair is needed.

Aftercare

You may experience sensitivity of some teeth for a few days after your bonding process, especially if the enamel has been removed. To manage it, take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed and consume light, soft foods that are not too hot or too cold. Also, just keep brushing and flossing your teeth twice as daily.

Advantages, Disadvantages, And Risks Of Cosmetic Dental Bonding

There are very few risks and side effects associated with cosmetic bonding. An allergic reaction to the bonding resin is possible but extremely rare. Also, any infection or decay must be removed and treated before the process occurs, or they will continue to grow under the resin and eventually require root canal or extraction.

The main disadvantage of cosmetic bonding is that it is not as strong or stain resistant as dental veneer or filler. As such, it is more recommended for small-scale repairs. If you need to fix large chips, severe wear and tear, or significant caries on the majority of your teeth, a crown or dental veneer may be a better option.

That being said, dental bonding is one of the easiest and most cost-effective cosmetic dental procedures. This is very quick because you do not need to wait for a third party to cover the teeth with a veneer or crown.

Cosmetic bonding may be the best option for those who want to fix a chip, gap, blurring, or other imperfections on their front teeth. Because these teeth are under minimal pressure when chewing your food, the bonding resin will not be as high as the risk of damage.

Is Cosmetic Bonding Right for You?

Don’t waste any more time getting dissatisfied with your smile. If you are tired of hiding your teeth and are ready to make a change, then dental bonding may be right for you. Investing in your smile can boost your confidence and help you make a great first impression on the go!

If you have any more questions about cosmetic bonding or want to start the process, Clarus Dental Dentistry is here to help. Our experienced team of dental professionals can help you decide which treatment is best for you and your smile. Contact us today to set up an appointment!