Are you looking to take your smile to the next level? No matter whether you are looking to repair a chipped tooth, fix a gap in your grin, or improve the appearance of a discolored tooth, dental bonding is one of the most common and effective procedures.
The dental bonding procedure utilizes a special composite resin that can be color-matched to your smile. Unlike other dental procedures, such as crowns or veneers that are permanent treatments, dental bonding can be completely reversible.
What does the procedure entail, though, and how long does it last? We thought we would explore some of the most common questions patients have…
What is dental bonding?
Sometimes referred to as composite or tooth bonding, dental bonding is a proven cosmetic dentistry procedure that helps to enhance your smile. The treatment is incredibly straightforward and will see your dentist use a tooth-colored resin to repair or fix the shape, color, and size of a tooth.
The composite material that dentists use is the same that is used when restoring cavities, replacing fillings, or protecting exposed roots.
When will a dentist recommend dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a very common treatment method that is designed to improve the aesthetics of your smile. It can be used to treat a wide range of cosmetic concerns, which means your dentist might recommend it for:
- Fixing a chip or crack in a tooth.
- Helping to improve the appearance of a discolored tooth.
- Fixing gaps and spaces in your smile.
- Improve the uniformity and shape of your teeth.
How common is dental bonding?
Due to the quick procedure and highly effective results, dental bonding is an incredibly popular procedure. Suitable for almost every patient with permanent teeth, the process is now one of the most common forms of cosmetic dentistry available.
What’s the difference between dental bonding and veneers?
When it comes to improving your smile, there are many different types of treatment available, but dental bonding and dental veneers are the most popular. Despite their popularity, both are very different forms of restoring your smile.
Porcelain veneers are a unique custom-made shell that is designed to fit over the front surface of your tooth. This creates a perfect finish, but in order to achieve that pearly white smile, your dentist will need to remove some of your natural enamel. This means that dental veneers are a permanent treatment, and you will need to replace them in order to keep them looking their best.
Dental bonding does not require any removal of your natural enamel, which means that the treatment is entirely reversible. However, just like porcelain veneers, in order to keep your smile looking its best, then you will need to visit your dentist to touch up the area with new bonding every few years.
What does the procedure involve?
Dental bonding can be a very quick procedure. First, your dentist will discuss your goals and expectations before conducting a thorough examination of your teeth. This will allow them to understand whether dental bonding is the best method of treatment or whether you require more extensive dental work.
During the appointment, your dentist will use a shade guide to ensure that they are using a composite that perfectly matches your teeth. They will then carefully prepare the tooth by making the surface slightly rough so that the bonding material firmly sticks to it. They will then mold the resin into shape before curing it using a special light. Finally, the tooth will be polished to give it a beautiful and natural-looking smile.
As the procedure does not require any work near the nerves inside your tooth, it is a painless procedure for the vast majority of patients. Some individuals might experience temporary sensitivity for a few days afterward, but this can be treated using over-the-counter pain relief.
How long does dental bonding last?
Although it is not a permanent treatment solution, dental bonding does last for a very long time. How long it remains looking fantastic for will depend on a number of factors. The most important factor is your overall oral hygiene, which is why it is vital that you are regularly brushing and flossing your teeth.
With good cleaning and care, dental bonding can last anywhere between three and ten years before needing to be replaced.
Do you need special care after the treatment?
Your dentist might suggest avoiding very hot or very cold food and drink for a few hours after the procedure, but that is the only special care that you need to take. Alongside good oral hygiene, you should also take steps to avoid habits that could cause the material to become damaged, such as biting your nails or chewing hard objects.
If you notice that the surface of the bonding feels sharp or rough, then it could be an indication that it has become damaged, and you should book an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of dental bonding?
As with all kinds of dental treatment, bonding has both its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the biggest benefits of the procedure include:
Pain-free
Dental bonding is a pain-free and minimally invasive procedure that does not require any removal of your enamel.
Cost-effective
Unlike other dental procedures, bonding is a cost-effective cosmetic procedure.
Versatility
This form of treatment is also very versatile and can be used to fix a range of issues.
Immediate results
Finally, dental bonding is an immediate fix that will leave you with a brilliant smile after just one visit.
Of course, while there are many advantages to having dental bonding treatment to correct your smile, there are some downsides that need to be considered. The first is that although it does offer some level of protection against stains, it is not as effective as porcelain restorations. It also does not last as long, which means it will need to be updated every few years.
Transform your smile
When it comes to creating the perfect smile, dental bonding is one of the most effective methods of treatment available. Your cosmetic dentist will be able to quickly restore those chips and cracks as well as improve discoloration within one visit, allowing you to enjoy a brand new grin in no time at all.
Although it is not a permanent solution, it will last for many years with the right care and cleaning. That makes dental bonding a very effective and affordable solution to correct your smile.