Cosmetic Bonding
It’s quite common for people to feel diffident because of those close, slightly small gaps between the front teeth or because of a single tooth that is chipped or cracked. But the good news is that there’s always the option of cosmetic bonding to fix this problem and restore the beauty of a smile. Whether you aren’t satisfied with the discolored or uneven appearance of your teeth or you are experiencing problems like tooth decay or gum recession, you can always look forward to cosmetic dental bonding as a way to improve your smile.
What is Cosmetic Dental Bonding?
The process is all about the application of a composite resin filling in the back teeth along with the front teeth. Basically, composite is a solution that helps restore decayed teeth while enhancing teeth color or reshaping affected teeth. In addition to lightening stains on the teeth, this procedure is also used for filling up minor gaps or correcting crooked teeth. Cosmetic bonding is the ideal procedure for covering any natural flaws with the application of a thin plastic material coating on the front teeth surfaces.
How Is It Done?
The procedure starts with the application of a mild etching solution on the patient’s teeth for creating crevices in the enamel structures of the affected teeth. As a result, there’s a slightly rough surface that actually allows a durable resin for bonding materials to the patient’s teeth. Later, the resins are applied on the teeth and the dentist uses high-intensity light for curing the resins onto the teeth’s surfaces. It takes only a few minutes for the layers of resin to harden. After the application of the last coat, the dentist sculpts the bonded material to fit the teeth and give them a polished look.
The resin used for this procedure is available in a variety of shades so that the dentist can choose shades closest to the patient’s natural teeth. Because of the layers involved, this procedure may take a bit longer as compared to silver filling since this procedure involves the application of multiple layers. In most cases, composites last for 7-11 years.
Which Type of Bonding Would Your Dentist Choose?
Basically, cosmetic dental bonding has two types. The type of bonding your dentist determines for you is based on individual requirements. In cases where only small corrections re required, one appointment fillings are utilized that are color-matched to the patient’s tooth and are bonded to the tooth’s surface for additional strength. The dentists typically use them for small and front fillings since they may not last long for large fillings.
On the other hand, for larger corrections, lab-created tooth-colored fillings are used, which typically require two appointments with the dentist making a mold of the teeth and applying a temporary filling. Later, a very durable filling is created that fits the mold created from the teeth. The fillings are porcelain-based and are bonded to the teeth during the second visit. This not only appears more natural, but it’s durable and stain resistant as well.