Your smile is part of your personality, and if you’re unhappy with it, sharing your smile may make you self-conscious. Cosmetic bonding procedures with a qualified dentist can help rectify common aesthetic issues.
The Cosmetic Bonding Process Explained
Bonding material is actually a composite resin material much akin to the same stuff that is used for dental fillings. The bonding material can be shaded to match the rest of your smile perfectly. If you go to the dentist for a bonding procedure, the following steps will occur:
- The dentist will examine the imperfection and determine which bonding application techniques should be used
- The composite resin will be shaded to match your teeth
- Composite resin will be applied and sculpted to fix the imperfection
- Light treatment will be used to harden the resin
- The tooth will be polished
For people who have an extensive amount of bonding to be done, the process may be repeated several times over multiple appointments to achieve full results.
Problems That Can Be Corrected Through Cosmetic Bonding Procedures
Bonding is an excellent solution for a long list of cosmetic issues with your teeth. Some of the most common reasons people seek a bonding procedure include:
- If they have a tooth that is chipped
- If there is a gap between two teeth
- If a tooth sits back further than the rest of the teeth
- If the serrated edge of the tooth is excessively pronounced
- If a tooth is misaligned
Cosmetic bonding can also help with some imperfections in the teeth. For example, if there is an unsightly stain on one part of a tooth that cannot be removed, bonding material may be a viable option to cover that stain.
What Is One-Appointment Bonding?
One-appointment bonding is just as it sounds; it is a bonding procedure that will take only one visit to achieve. The dentist will apply the bonding material, shape it as needed, harden the material with a UV light, and then polish the surface of the bonding material and your tooth. In just one visit, you can have a small imperfection fixed so you will walk away with confidence and get on with your life.
How to Take Care of Bonded Teeth
Bonding material will last as long as 10 years with the proper care. Unlike your natural teeth, the bonding material will remain the same color throughout the years. Therefore, you may have to have the rest of your smile whitened, so they continue to match the shade of the bonded areas. Beyond this, you will pretty much take care of your smile the same way you always have; with proper oral hygiene habits and regular visits to your dentist.
Reach Out to Us for One-Appointment or Traditional Cosmetic Bonding
If you are unhappy with certain attributes of your smile, cosmetic bonding may be a logical solution to help you feel more confident with your smile, and it is a more affordable option than porcelain veneers. Contact us at the office of Dr. Andy Tang DDS for more information about the procedures we have available to correct problems with your smile.
