You’ve probably been told by your friends and family that the gap in your tooth is “cute” or it makes you “unique.” Despite these assurances, it still bothers you, and you’re ready to do something about it. You know about braces but don’t necessarily want to spend thousands of dollars and years to fix one little gap. Where do you turn? Dental bonding can be the perfect solution in this case – find out why as you read on!
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic treatment that uses the same material in cavity fillings – a tooth-colored composite resin – and applies it to the surface of a tooth to repair or improve its appearance.
During the procedure, your dentist will clean and isolate the tooth that’s being bonded before administering the resin and shading it to match the color of the surrounding teeth. The resin is hardened with a UV light, and the dentist then polishes the tooth to a smooth finish to rid it of excess material.
What is Dental Bonding Used For?
Bonding is typically used for minor cosmetic imperfections such as:
- Chips or cracks.
- Small gaps.
- Tooth discoloration.
- Abnormal length or shape of teeth.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding carries some unique benefits, including:
- Versatility: Bonding is a bit like the Swiss Army Knife of cosmetic dentistry. If you’ve got more than just a gap to fix, bonding can address other minor to moderate issues as well.
- Minimally invasive: Unlike other treatments like crowns and veneers that require tooth alteration, dental bonding doesn’t require enamel removal.
- Quick and easy process: Bonding is an in-and-out procedure, usually done in one appointment and in under an hour!
- Cost–Effective: Dental bonding is one of the least expensive cosmetic dental procedures available.
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
On average, you can expect the bonding material to remain on your teeth for 5 to 10 years before needing a replacement.
Proper dental hygiene can lengthen the lifespan of your bonding treatment. Brush for two minutes twice a day and floss once daily. See your dentist every 6 months for checkups and cleanings.
Drinking beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine can stain the resin, as can smoking cigarettes or using tobacco. Avoid biting down on things like ice cubes, pens, or your fingernails to prevent the bonding material from cracking.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Bonding?
Several factors go into determining your candidacy to receive bonding treatment, but the main criteria to meet is having healthy teeth. The affected teeth must have healthy roots and most of their enamel intact to withstand bonding. If you have excessive tooth trauma or decay, you may require other treatment to address these issues. Likewise, for severe gaps or other orthodontic issues, bonding probably won’t be an option. The best way to find out is to make an appointment with your dentist for a consultation during which they will decide if bonding is a suitable treatment.
For a quick and painless treatment that won’t break the bank, consider dental bonding to close that gap in your smile and get your confidence back!
About the Practice
We’ve been serving the Beverly community for more than 30 years here at Beverly Farms Dental, and we can’t wait to welcome you into our family-friendly, state-of-the-art dental office. We can makeover your smile with treatments including dental bonding, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and more! Reach out to us online or by phone at (978) 927-3515.
