Cosmetic Dentistry Series: Bonding
Whether it’s a quick snap or a prized picture, you always want your smile prepared for a photo op when it presents itself. But what if your teeth aren’t up for it?
Considered one of the easiest and cheapest cosmetic dental procedures, bonding is the application of a composite resin to restore a decayed, fractured, chipped or
discolored tooth. Here’s how bonding can help you ‘say cheese’ with ease.
When Should You Consider Bonding?
If you’d like to improve how your teeth look, bonding is a convenient option to consider, since you can complete this cosmetic dental procedure in one visit to the
dentist. And the only time anesthesia is necessary is when you fill a decayed tooth.
Here are some of the more prevalent reasons people choose bonding:
- Dentists can shape and polish bonding to match your surrounding teeth
- Bonding improves tooth discoloration and/or chipping
- Bonding helps close the spaces in between your teeth
- Bonding allows you the flexibility to choose your teeth’s appearance
- Bonding protects your tooth’s exposed root when your gums have receded
In many cases, bonding is also as an alternative to veneers and amalgam fillings.
How is This Cosmetic Dental Procedure Performed?
As has been stated, your dentist can complete a bonding procedure in one visit – and it takes no more than an hour. This all depends on how many teeth you’re bonding.
To start, your dentist will refer to a shade guide to determine the composite resin color that matches your teeth. After abrading your tooth’s surface and coating it with an adhesive conditioning liquid, he or she will apply the resin and shape it. Your dentist will then direct a UV light or laser at your tooth to harden the material. Once the bonding material hardens, he or she will shape and trim it to appearance. Finally, your dentist will polish the bonding until it matches your tooth’s sheen.