When you think of cosmetic dentistry, you may picture yourself undergoing multiple dental visits to transform your smile or spending months in braces to make your teeth look more attractive. The truth is, not all smile makeovers require a big sacrifice in your time and wallet. In fact, cosmetic dental bonding is one of the most popular ways to improve your smile appearance, while minimizing expense, time and discomfort.
Dental bonding involves a special material called composite resin. You may know composite resin as a tooth-colored filling material to repair a cavity. However, composite resin can also be used cosmetically during a process called dental bonding. The resin, a white plastic and glass mixture, is strong and highly durable so it not only blends in with your natural smile but also strengthens and restores a tooth when needed. Best of all, composite bonding is customizable, which means your dentist can use it to change the color, size and shape of certain tooth or teeth.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding can be used restoratively, cosmetically, or both. Therefore, it offers a wide range of solutions for different types of imperfections. Bonding is especially beneficial for the front teeth of your smile since it is made to match the exact shade of your surrounding teeth. In general, patients who have the following concerns may qualify for cosmetic dental bonding:
- Discolored/Stained Teeth
- Chipped Teeth
- Gapped Teeth
- Uneven or Worn Down Teeth
You’ll be happy to know that bonding is not only budget-friendly compared to dental crowns and veneers, but the procedure itself is painless and quick. During bonding, the composite resin is applied in layers to the affected tooth. A special curing light hardens the material before it is polished and perfected by your dentist as a final step. The entire process can be done in minutes, without the use of needles or dental drills.
If you have aesthetic flaws that cannot be effectively resolved with bonding, such as a large front tooth gap or significant tooth break, there are other cosmetic treatments that can help. These include custom crowns, porcelain veneers and other procedures that can transform the appearance of your smile.
What is causing you to cover up your teeth when you smile or laugh? If it is something minor, we invite you to consider cosmetic bonding at Village Dental. We love helping patients attain a smile they are proud to show off!
