Woman receiving a dental treatment
Everyone wants to have a movie star smile. Unfortunately, few people are able to maintain a naturally radiant smile throughout their life. Because dental injuries and imperfections are so common, especially as we age, dental restorations may be necessary to restore the health and beauty of your teeth. At Cedar Creek Dental, our experienced dental team is proud to offer an array of restorative dental procedures that can help you achieve a healthier, more attractive smile quickly and easily, including dental bonding. Here’s what you should know about how a dental bonding procedure could benefit you before scheduling a free consultation with Dr. Mikesell.
Dental bonding is a quick, painless, cost-effective dental procedure that is used to repair damaged teeth. It works by applying a thin layer of a durable tooth-colored resin material to the surface of your damaged teeth, then using a specialized ultraviolet light to harden this material and improve the overall appearance of the tooth.
Tooth bonding is a common dental treatment that is used to address a number of oral health concerns, including:
The dental bonding process is quick and virtually pain-free, making it a convenient restorative dental procedure to have in one quick appointment, including during your routine dental exam.
Here’s what you can expect during your dental bonding procedure with Dr. Mikesell and his trusted team:
While tooth bonding is a great option for most people to repair chipped, cracked, or damaged teeth quickly and conveniently, it’s not for everyone. A tooth bonding treatment should not be used to address:
Additionally, tooth bonding should only be used for patients who are satisfied with the color of their teeth. If you plan on having your smile enhanced with a professional tooth whitening treatment, it’s a good idea to have your teeth whitened prior to your dental bonding. This is because while a professional whitening treatment will effectively lighten the shade of your natural teeth, it will not do the same on your bond. Because of this, whitening your teeth after having a bond placed will result in unwanted tooth discoloration or two-toned teeth.
There are many benefits to having your front teeth improved with a professional dental bonding treatment, including:
Dental bonding has many advantages, however, it does come with some disadvantages as well. These include:
Ultimately, dental bonding is a great option for minor cosmetic concerns in low bite pressure areas, especially front teeth. They shouldn’t be used for significant oral health concerns.
While other dental restorations can alter the shape or integrity of your tooth, such as veneers, dental bonding is very safe. Because it is minimally invasive, there are virtually no risks to having a tooth bonded. Even better, the composite resin used to bond the cracks, chips, or other aesthetic problems with your tooth can easily be fixed when necessary and tends to be stronger and less likely to chip than dental crowns or veneers.
Veneers are another cosmetic dental procedure that is used to restore the appearance of damaged front teeth. While veneers and bonding aim to correct many of the same oral health concerns, there are some significant differences between the two treatments. Veneers are made of wafer-thin porcelain shells that are placed over the damaged teeth like caps. They are most commonly used on teeth with significant damage, while dental bonding is more appropriate for teeth with minimal oral concerns. Additionally, veneers are quite durable and can often last as long as a lifetime with good oral habits.
Caring for your bonded tooth with good oral hygiene practices is the best way to ensure that your dental restoration stays as strong and beautiful as possible for years to come. It’s important to note that composite resin is not as strong or durable as your natural tooth enamel. Because of this, it’s best to avoid activities that could jeopardize the well-being of your tooth bonding.
Here are some practical steps to keep your bonded tooth in tip-top shape:
Improving the appearance of your cracked, damaged, or chipped teeth can be as simple as stopping by the dentist for one office visit. At Cedar Creek Dental, our friendly dental team is proud to offer numerous restorative and cosmetic dental procedures, including teeth bonding. With dental bonding, you can enhance the natural beauty of your front teeth quickly, conveniently, and affordably. You don’t have to hide your damaged smile from the world for one more day. Visit us online to schedule your free consultation to learn more about how dental bonding could benefit you. We can’t wait to give you a reason to smile again!