Improving your smile and fixing unwanted oral health issues doesn’t always have to be a long and stressful process. Dental bonding is more popular than ever, and that type of treatment can be used to address a wide array of common tooth problems that many people struggle with. A skilled surgeon will be able to use the bonding material to quickly and safely restore your teeth so that you can once again smile with confidence. Here is a quick look at how dental bonding works and what types of issues can be fixed with that treatment.
What Can Be Treated With Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is the solution to many different cosmetics and structural problems that patients develop over the years. In most cases, bonding material can be used to repair decayed teeth, minimize gaps between teeth, brighten the smile, and change the shape of individual teeth. Some patients also have this treatment carried out to fix minor chips and cracks before the damage causes additional health complications. When chips and cracks aren’t addressed right away, that damage could result in severe tooth or gum infections.
A Look at the Bonding Material
There are a few different bonding materials to choose from, but most dentists work with a composite resin. That type of resin is very similar to the natural material of a tooth, and it is relatively easy to work with. The dentist also has the option of using additional materials to alter the tone of the bonding so that it perfectly matches the color of the nearby teeth. Once the material is in place, you probably won’t even realize that it is there, and it can be cared for with nothing more than basic oral hygiene habits. With the proper aftercare and regular dental checkups, your bonding material could last for up to 10 years before you need a touch-up appointment.
Your Bonding Procedure
One of the biggest benefits of this procedure is the fact that it can almost always be carried out during one quick visit to the dentist. When you arrive at the dental office, you will be escorted to a private room where the dentist can begin prepping your teeth. For most patients, gently etching the outside of the teeth is the only preparation that is needed. The dentist can then apply the bonding material and mold it around each individual tooth until the patient’s entire smile looks beautiful and natural. To complete the procedure, UV light is going to be directed at the teeth to cure the bonding material and composite resin.
Dealing With More Severe Damage
Even though dental bonding is an excellent option for many patients, your dentist might suggest other treatments if the damage is severe. When a tooth is extremely damaged or knocked out entirely, then implants will typically be the preferred procedure. Those devices are easy to install, comfortable, and look exactly like natural teeth. Dental implants also last for a very long time with the proper aftercare, and you could enjoy yours for the rest of your life as long as you maintain impeccable oral hygiene habits.
Enjoying the Smile of Your Dreams
Everyone deserves to have a bright and straight smile that they will be proud to show off every chance they get. If you are tired of dealing with unsightly tooth damage, then it is time to contact an experienced cosmetic dentist to see if dental bonding might be right for you. An experienced dentist will be able to restore your smile and help you deal with chips, cracks, gaps between your teeth, and any other issues that you are dealing with.
