Are your teeth starting to show some wear but you don’t want complicated and expensive dental procedures? Cosmetic tooth bonding may be the relatively affordable and simple treatment you have been looking for to resolve them. Dr. Cappy Sinclair of Coastal Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Virginia Beach, VA, explains how this relatively inexpensive and increasingly popular cosmetic dentistry treatment can help you have the smile you want.
What is cosmetic dental bonding?
Cosmetic bonding is a procedure that repairs damage and defects in your tooth enamel. Dr. Sinclair will use composite resin, a soft, plastic-based material, to fill in the damaged areas on your enamel. Composite resin can be thought of as similar to the spackle used to repair damage in drywall in your home but for your teeth. This pliable substance can be shaped to fill in any chip or indentation, making it a versatile method for treating an assortment of cosmetic dental issues.
Once the resin hardens or bonds — hence the name of the procedure — it will not only be as strong as your natural tooth enamel but it will look just like it as well. Dr. Sinclair will choose a composite resin that is colored to match the exact hue of your tooth enamel so that the bonded area is never obvious.
What are the signs dental bonding may be necessary?
Chips in teeth, even small ones, can be noticeable. But dental bonding can be used to fill in these chips. It can also be used to protect roots of teeth that may be exposed due to receding gums. Due to heightened sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages that can occur without that protective layer of gum tissue, eating can become painful. Covering the roots with composite resin can decrease this sensitivity while also protecting the roots from infection.
Maybe you have one tooth that doesn’t look like the others? Sometimes a tooth can be discolored, twisted, crooked, short or oddly shaped teeth but still perfectly healthy otherwise. Bonding material can be used to change the appearance and color of the tooth, giving your smile a more attractive appearance.
Cosmetic bonding is also a good choice for filling in small gaps between your teeth. Gaps in your teeth can trap food and increase your risk of tooth decay. It can also cause you to feel self-conscious about the way your smile looks. Bonding is a simple and relatively affordable way to eliminate those spaces and make eating easier.
While composite bonding doesn’t have the longevity of veneers, you should be able to wear them for up to 10 years if you care for them properly. This means avoiding hard candy, ice cubes and other hard or sticky food that can crack your composite material.