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 any chip or indentation, making it a versatile method for treating a variety of cosmetic dental issues.
Once the resin hardens or bonds, 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 matches the exact hue of your tooth enamel so the bonded area is never obvious.
What are the signs that 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 the roots of teeth that may be exposed due to receding gums. Due to heightened sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages, eating can become painful without the protective layer of gum tissue. Covering the roots with composite resin can reduce this sensitivity while also protecting them 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, 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 make you feel self-conscious about how 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 foods that can crack your composite material. If you’d rather have a more permanent fix, consider veneers that look completely natural.
Are you ready to upgrade your smile? Call our cosmetic dentists and specialists at 757-656-6368 or request an appointment online at any time.
