Everything You Want To Know About Cosmetic Bonding
Do you want to flash a five-star smile creating an excellent impression on everyone you meet? Unfortunately, if you have chipped, stained, or discolored teeth, you may find it challenging to greet everyone with your beautiful smile. Instead of disappointing yourself because of your dental imperfections, it will help if you contact the dentist requesting a solution to help you overcome the problems you confront.
Your dentist will evaluate your teeth to assess your suitability for the bonding process, checking whether you have any tooth decay or infections in your mouth. Unfortunately, dental composite bonding is unsuitable for people with the above problems. However, if you don’t have any issues in your mouth, you are a candidate for cosmetic dental bonding is a straightforward procedure completed in the dental office in one visit.
Explaining Dental Bonding for Your Understanding
Cosmetic dental bonding is a simple dental procedure involving the application of a custom tinted composite resin to your teeth to hide various minor dental imperfections affecting you. For example, the bonding procedure helps you to hide:
- Gaps between your teeth.
- Irregularly shaped or chipped teeth.
- Fractured or broken teeth.
- Discolored teeth and decay.
- Shorter teeth.
- Protection for exposed tooth roots because of receding gums.
Cosmetic dental bonding is an excellent alternative if you are not interested or deemed unsuitable for dental veneers. In addition, many patients prefer cosmetic bonding over surfaces because they don’t have to spend thousands to hide the perceptions with their teeth and doesn’t require enamel removal, an irreversible process.
What Is Involved in the Dental Bonding Procedure?
The cosmetic bonding procedure is completed in your dentist’s office in one visit, especially if you merely need a few teeth repaired. Unlike dental veneers requiring extensive preparation and waiting over three weeks, dental bonding is a speedy procedure the dentist completes without giving you any anesthesia unless you want cavities filled.
You arrive for your appointment to enhance the appearance of your teeth after brushing and flossing, especially if you are late for your scheduled cleaning process. After you arrive, the dentist selects the color of the composite resin matching the shade of your teeth using a shade guide to ensure the bonding proceeds as planned.
The dentist starts the cosmetic bonding procedure by applying an etching solution over the targeted teeth for the bonding. Next, the conditioning liquid helps the composite resin bond to your tooth. After a few seconds, the dentist applies the composite resin over the etching solution and molds it into shape. After smoothing the composite resin, the dentist shines a bright light over your teeth to harden the resin.
Finally, the dentist smooth’s and trims the resin to make it appear and feel natural in your mouth. The entire procedure requires approximately 30 minutes to 60 minutes per tooth, costing around $ 300-$ 600 each, depending on how much repair is needed.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding After-Care
You are experiencing tooth sensitivity for a few days after cosmetic dental bonding is natural, especially if enamel removal is necessary. However, you can easily manage the discomfort with help from over-the-counter painkillers and rely on mild and soft foods that aren’t freezing or scorching. Besides the above, you can continue with your regular activities, including brushing and flossing as usual.
Lifespan Of Dental Bonding
You must remember the composite resin material isn’t as durable as your natural teeth, and the cosmetic dental bonding procedure will not make your teeth stronger by any margin. Although dental bonding has a lifespan of nearly a decade of material over your teeth sustains damages from habits like chewing on ice, pencils, pens, fingernails, and grinding and clenching your teeth when sleeping.
Composite dental bonding is also prone to staining and may require faster replacements if you prefer to consume staining beverages like coffee, tea, and other foods. If you are a smoker, do not use cigarettes for the initial 48 hours after the procedure to prevent stains from developing. Remember the stains on your bonded teeth will continue to remain on them even if you decide to get teeth whitening treatments to enhance their color. Care for the bonded teeth appropriately if you intend to make them last for their lifetime. Unfortunately, if you develop chips and cracks after a few years, the affected area is quickly repaired by your dentist by reapplying the bonding material.
Suppose you are unsatisfied with your smile and don’t want to invest in expensive cosmetic dental procedures. In that case, the best option is to contact the dentist near you to determine whether you are suitable for the cosmetic dental bonding procedure. If you are, consider yourself fortunate, you can hide your dental imperfections quickly without undergoing an invasive restoration procedure.