If you want to enhance your smile, you’re not alone. Studies show that 81% of people dislike how their smile looks in pictures. Dental bonding offers a versatile, affordable solution that provides fast results.
Cosmetic dental bonding addresses many imperfections, helping you love your smile. Learn what you can expect during treatment and what it can be used to treat.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding, sometimes called tooth bonding, is a quick and simple procedure that addresses minor damage and conceals imperfections. Your dentist places a tooth-colored material onto your tooth and hardens it with a blue light. These steps bond durable plastic to the tooth to restore your smile.
Some dental issues are too complex for dental bonding, but this procedure is capable of addressing several common concerns, such as:
- Closing gaps
- Lengthening short teeth
- Altering the shape of teeth
- Repairing minor cracks and chips
- Covering discolored teeth
- Filling small cavities
Once treatment is complete, you’ll have a natural-looking, confident smile.
The Dental Bonding Procedure
This treatment is relatively simple. But knowing what to expect can help you prepare for it.
Consultation
Your dentist will complete an examination, including your medical history, to ensure that this is the proper treatment. They may recommend sprucing up your smile with dental bonding if you have minor cosmetic issues.
Preparing the Tooth
You may not need to be numb for this procedure unless your teeth:
- Are decaying
- Need reshaping
- Have a chip located near a nerve
Before starting, your dentist will use a shade guide to choose a plastic material, called composite resin, that will be the same color as your natural tooth.
Applying the Material
After choosing a color, your dentist will roughen the tooth’s surface and apply a conditioning liquid to help the bonding material stick. Then, they will place the bonding material on the teeth. It will be molded and smoothed to create the desired size and shape.
Curing
Once the dentist is happy with the shape, they will harden it with a special curing light. This blue light ensures the material bonds securely to your tooth.
Final Touches
The final step is to trim, shape, and polish the material. This action ensures that the restoration matches the rest of your teeth.
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
One of the most common questions is about the durability of the material. The lifespan of dental bonding depends on many factors, including your oral hygiene habits and the location where treatment was completed. However, the average lifespan is 3 to 10 years.
You can extend the longevity of your dental bonding by following these tips:
- Brush and floss daily
- Limit foods that stain, like coffee and red wine
- Avoid biting or chewing on hard objects, such as ice
Regular dental checkups are vital for keeping your restorations intact. Your dentist can detect early problems and recommend treatment.
Quick and Affordable Way to Enhance Your Smile
Cosmetic bonding is a popular, natural-looking treatment for enhancing smiles. Whether you need to restore minor imperfections or address small gaps, bonding could be the solution you’ve been looking for. Contact Pinnacle Dentistry to begin your smile transformation. Call our office and schedule a consultation.
