Cosmetic dental bonding is one of the most popular and highly effective dental treatments. Chipped teeth, gaps, discoloration, or any other forms of imperfection with the teeth can be sorted out easily through dental bonding in a very short period of time and within budget.
How Dental Bonding Works
Dental bonding is a process by which a tooth-colored resin is applied to the teeth to address imperfections. The resin is molded and shaped to conform precisely to the natural contours of your tooth and then solidified with a special light. The result is a robust, natural-appearing repair that will solve a number of aesthetic and minor functional issues.
Problems Dental Bonding Addresses
Chipped Teeth
The most common dental problem might be chipped teeth, caused by some kind of accident, a fall, or even hard biting on something. Sometimes, the tiniest chip can slightly interfere with the appearance and functionality of a tooth. Dental bonding will be an effective dental treatment for repairing chipped teeth. The dentist covers the surface of the chipped tooth with a type of resin before molding it into a shape that merges with the rest of the tooth. Once this resin has been treated with a special light, the tooth is restored to its natural appearance and function.
Gaps Between Teeth
Overlapped or spaced-apart gaps, medically referred to as diastemas, can create discomfort for the person with his or her smile. It can either be very slight or noticeable depending on your entire dental arrangement. Dental bonding can treat these gaps by applying a small amount of resin on either side of the teeth. The resin is shaped to fill in the space between them for a more connected appearance. This procedure, however, is quicker and less intrusive compared with orthodontic treatments for small and moderate gaps.
Discolored Teeth
Some common offenders when it comes to discoloration of the teeth are food and drink stains, smoking, and tetracycline. Whitening can be effective but will not necessarily result in an improved tooth color. In dental bonding, resin color matching to your other teeth is done to cover the front of the stained or discolored teeth. This, in turn, masks stains and allows for a uniform appearance and whiteness.
Misshapen Teeth
The look and aesthetic of your smile can be misbalanced by misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth. Dental bonding shapes those teeth by adding resin to alter their shape. It can take jagged edges and round them out, balance asymmetries, and make the look of your smile take on a much more natural appearance.
Short Teeth
Teeth that are much shorter compared to the others disturb the harmony in your smile. Dental bonding can add length to teeth. For an elongated tooth shape, resin is used, making your smile more balanced and visually pleasing. It is also effective in cases of excessive wear or erosion.
Minor Tooth Decay
Dental bonding is primarily aesthetic in nature though it is used in cases of minimal tooth decay. Small cavities are treated with the application of the bonding material, which, to a large measure, restores a tooth to prevent further decay. Where the decay is more extensive, other restorative options like fillings or crowns are considered.
Exposed Roots of Teeth
Gum recession may leave roots of your teeth exposed and thus sensitive, which may further lead to decay. Dental bonding over the exposed areas protects them and decreases the sensitivity. This process helps in maintaining good health and comfort in the teeth while addressing cosmetic issues brought about by gum recession.
Dental Bonding Process
Consultation
Dental bonding begins with consultations between a patient and a dentist in Mt. Vernon, NY, Dentist examines and investigates your dental needs before recommending appropriate treatment for you, whether dental bonding or not.
Preparation
If dental bonding is suitable, then the tooth or teeth are prepared. Preparation often includes cleaning the area and, with most procedures, roughening the surface of the tooth to help the bonding material attach. This way, the resin will be securely attached for a strong repair.
Application
The dentist then applies the tooth-colored resin to the defective region. The resin is delicately molded and shaped to conform to the natural contours of the tooth. This step requires precision so that the bonded area blends imperceptibly with the remainder of the tooth and aligns with your occlusion.
Curing
It is then molded into shape and hardened with a special light. This process, known as curing, takes just a few seconds. The resin will now be hard and very durable due to contact with the light. This is an important step so that strong bonding can last.
Finishing Touches
Once the resin has set, the dentist will make any final touches necessary to contour the bonded tooth for a natural appearance and feel. Polishing the bonded area by the dentist helps in coming up with a smooth, shiny surface. This helps in giving your tooth an enhanced look for the bonding to appear nice and blend with your teeth.
Aftercare
Special care other than good oral hygiene is not needed for dental bonding. This may include regular brushing and flossing, along with routine dental checkups, to support the bonded tooth’s longevity and aesthetics. Other methods of prevention may include avoiding hard or sticky foods and refraining from using one’s teeth as tools to help promote the life of the bonding.
Dental Bonding in Combination
Dental bonding works very well with other dental treatments to produce the best results. The following are how it combines with the services of dentistry:
Invisalign
Invisalign is probably the most popular orthodontic treatment since it deals with clear aligners used to gently move the teeth into proper position. While dental bonding corrects aesthetic issues such as gaps and chipping, Invisalign is ideal for misalignment and bite issues. Give your teeth a total makeover: first, treat them with Invisalign to straighten up your teeth, then go for dental bonding in order to perfect them by erasing the remaining aesthetic flaws.
Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry pertains to the filling and rebuilding of teeth that have been destroyed or damaged. This could be in the form of fillings, crowns, bonding, and a number of related options. If your teeth are extensively damaged, you might need restorative dentistry before or in conjunction with dental bonding. Think of a tooth with substantial decay. That could be prepared first through a filling or even a crown, and then the bonding can be completed to give the tooth an optimum shape and look.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is that branch of dentistry concerned with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Examples of common orthodontic appliances include braces, clear aligners, and similar devices. Orthodontic procedures correct conditions such as crowding of teeth and misalignment of the bite. In orthodontics, making sure the proper alignment of teeth is done, while any other disturbances in occlusion are worked upon. This process can improve the outcome and add a little flair for the finish. Dental bonding post-orthodontic treatment has the capability of straightening minute gaps and defects to solidify a neat-treated smile.
Conclusion
Dental bonding serves a high number of purposes for an equally high number of dental problems – from chipped and gapped teeth through to discolored and misshapen teeth. This makes it greatly valuable for many patients in improving their smile, as the ease of completion in such a short period of time, with very little discomfort and cost, is an added advantage. Combining dental bonding with Invisalign, restorative dentistry, and orthodontics can provide you with a comprehensive approach to your dental care. Talk to Dr. Amul Patel a dentist in Mt. Vernon, NY at Aurora smiles to learn just how dental bonding and more can help create a beautiful and functional smile.