Cosmetic tooth bonding is a cosmetic dental
procedure that is used to repair teeth that have been injured or for closing
small gaps. Dental bonding is one of the least expensive, yet one of the most
effective types of cosmetic dentistry in San Diego to repair injured teeth.
Although dental bonding may not be appropriate in every dental situation, it is
a quick, virtually painless and inexpensive way to improve your smile.
What is Dental Bonding?
Some procedure in cosmetic
dentistry in San Diego, such as veneers or crowns, often require more than
one dental visit. Cosmetic tooth bonding can typically be completed in one
visit and there is less enamel removed than with veneers or a crown. The
bonding procedure consists of the tooth surface being roughened and a
conditioning liquid applied, which helps with adherence of the bonding
material. Tooth-colored resin/composite material is applied to the tooth,
molded and smoothed. The material is hardened with an ultraviolet light before
further shaping is done. Once the bonded material has been shaped it is polished
to match the sheen of the surrounding tooth area. The entire process takes
between 30 to 60 minutes for each tooth.
What is Dental Bonding Used For?
Tooth bonding is typically best suited for small
cosmetic changes, correcting teeth, such as front teeth, with low bite pressure
and the temporary correction of cosmetic defects. The most common uses of
cosmetic tooth bonding includes:
- Repairing chipped or
cracked teeth
- Repairing decayed teeth
(the resin is used to fill cavities)
- Teeth with spaces or gaps
- Changing the shape of
teeth
- Improving the appearance
of discolored teeth
- As a cosmetic
alternative to amalgam fillings
- Making teeth look longer
- Protection for a portion
of the root of a tooth that has been exposed due to receding gums
What are the Advantages of Dental
Bonding?
There are several advantages with dental bonding,
including the price, which is often covered by many dental insurance plans,
especially when the procedure is done to fill a cavity or for structural
reasons. One of the best benefits of dental bonding is that anesthesia is
typically not necessary and the entire process for each tooth can be completed
in one hour or less.
What are the Disadvantages of Dental
Bonding?
The material used in dental bonding is similar to
the natural enamel of teeth, unfortunately, this means that it can become
stained and discolored over time. Bonding material is also porous, so it will
stain yellow with exposure to cigarette smoke. The material used for tooth
bonding is not as strong as crowns or veneers and it can easily chip. With
proper maintenance tooth bonding typically lasts from 3 to 7 years.
There is no special care required for tooth
bonding. Usually good oral hygiene practices is the only care required. Since
the bonding material may stain, it is important to limit your use of items that
may cause staining, such as coffee/tea, red wine and smoking tobacco products.
The tooth bonding material can chip, so you should avoid chewing on hard food,
ice and other hard items.
Are you are interested in learning more about how
tooth bonding can help to improve your smile? Please contact us for an
appointment and we will be happy to discuss your options on how cosmetic
dentistry in San Diego can help improve your smile.
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