Dental Bonding

When it comes to achieving a smile you're proud of, it's important to seek out dental treatments that are right for you. A great way to improve the overall shape of your smile is through dental bonding — a cosmetic dentistry treatment used to hide minor damage and gaps in your teeth. Continue reading for information about what dental bonding entails and how to decide if it is the right treatment for you.

What Is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding, also known as composite bonding, is a dental procedure that's used to enhance the overall color, shape and position of your teeth. Whether you feel like gaps between your teeth, uneven teeth lengths or subtle chips diminish the beauty of your smile, dental bonding might be able to help. 

Dental bonding gets its name from the bond used to repair common dental problems. The material used is a composite resin that's placed over individual teeth to make them look more appealing and uniform in nature. 

Unlike crowns, the tooth-colored resin material used in a dental bonding procedure is the same color as your tooth enamel, so it blends in with the rest of your smile. This makes the overall result appear more natural and not as noticeable as crowns and some fillings.

When Is Dental Bonding Recommended?

Dental bonding is usually only recommended for patients with healthy teeth that aren't decayed. If dental bonding were administered to a patient with severely decayed teeth, the treatment would likely fail. Your dentist will be able to discuss alternative treatments if this is the case for you.

Dental bonding is usually recommended for people suffering from minor injuries and chips. However, if you are missing lots of teeth or find you have a few severely chipped teeth, your dentist might be able to recommend a more suitable treatment for you.

Dental Bonding Versus Veneers

Both composite bonding and veneers are dentistry options for improving smiles, but the right one for you depends on your overall situation and desired outcome. 

Veneers are known to be a much more invasive and permanent procedure compared to composite bonding. That's because veneers require a thin layer of tooth enamel to be removed before treatment, resulting in an irreversible procedure that requires greater commitment. 

Composite bonding is generally considered to be a more affordable option compared to veneers; however, veneers tend to last longer provided the proper aftercare is followed. Dental bonding is usually achieved in a single visit, whereas veneers typically require multiple visits.

Process for Dental Bonding

Before undergoing dental bonding, your dentist will first match the resin material to the natural color of your teeth. Once that has been decided, your dentist will prepare the tooth's surface by roughening it with specially designed tools. Having a rough surface ensures the composite resin material will stick well without issue. 

Then, a conditioned liquid, which is designed to improve how well the resin adheres to the tooth, is applied. The tooth-colored resin material will then be affixed to the tooth and molded around it for the perfect shape. The resin will then be cured with a specialized light. This results in a natural and polished shape that improves the overall look of your smile. 

How to Take Care of Your Bonded Teeth

Similar to other dental procedures, it's best to avoid dark liquids for at least a week after the treatment is done. This includes beverages, such as coffee, tea and dark soda. Ensure you maintain a good level of oral health care and avoid biting tough or crunchy foods that could chip the material. Instead, choose soft and easy meals that don't require lots of chewing.

If your teeth are in need of a makeover, contact us at Los Gatos Family Dentistry. Our expert staff and Dr. Phan will get your teeth looking great with cosmetic dental bonding. Feel better about your smile today!