A cosmetic dentist may recommend teeth bonding for those wanting a more dazzling smile without an invasive procedure. Bonding can cover staining on the teeth and correct cosmetic issues affecting the enamel. Learning about the basics of teeth bonding can help you decide whether you may benefit from consulting a cosmetic dentist.
Teeth bonding, or dental bonding, is a composite resin material matched to the shade of a natural tooth. A cosmetic dentist sculpts and polishes the bonding material to blend seamlessly with the rest of the smile in a quick, non-invasive dental procedure. According to Healthline, the only preparation needed is to roughen the enamel and apply a liquid so that the bonding adheres easily.
Teeth bonding procedures and dental fillings use the same material for different purposes. Bonding is the cosmetic application of composite resin to alter the appearance of a tooth. On the other hand, a dental filling is a restorative dental treatment for oral health concerns, such as tooth decay (cavities). Cosmetic dentists may also offer fillings containing other materials, such as silver amalgam. However, bonding is always tooth-colored.
A cosmetic dentist may recommend teeth bonding for minor cosmetic imperfections in the smile. Here are three of the most common reasons to ask a dentist about bonding:
Teeth bonding can seal minor cracks and restore minor chips in the teeth. Patients should ask a cosmetic dentist about fixing these minor imperfections with bonding sooner rather than later. Otherwise, the damage may worsen and require a more extensive repair from a general dentist, such as a dental crown. While there is no need to panic, it is best to book the appointment as soon as possible.
Bonding can bulk up a tooth that appears too small within the smile. To achieve this, the cosmetic dentist will add bonding to build up the tooth structure and shape it to look like the other, larger teeth. The dentist can use the same technique to reshape small, misshapen teeth.
A cosmetic dentist can cover staining on the teeth with bonding. They will apply it over the stained area, giving the smile a brighter appearance. This is an effective alternative to teeth whitening via bleaching agents for patients with tooth sensitivity.
A patient cannot have untreated oral health problems to qualify for teeth bonding. This is because bonding from a cosmetic dentist is not a restorative treatment. For example, tooth decay will need a filling, not bonding.
That said, patients can visit a general dentist who doubles as a cosmetic dentist, which most do. The dentist can determine candidacy for bonding through an oral examination, typically done after a six-month dental cleaning. If there is decay or gum disease, they can treat it to help the patient become a better candidate for bonding.
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