For someone who wants a healthy and attractive smile, numerous cosmetic dental treatments can help. An especially effective and relatively easy dental treatment is dental bonding. Dental bonding uses special composite resins to improve the look of a person’s smile greatly, and the dentist can perform the treatment in one painless visit.
Understanding dental bonding
Also referred to as composite bonding or tooth bonding, dental bonding occurs when the dentist uses a special ceramic/composite resin on a patient’s tooth or teeth. The dentist paints the tooth-colored material on the teeth, and the patient can achieve a flawless looking smile.
Repairing minor tooth damage
Dentists commonly use dental bonding to repair minor tooth damage such as small cavities, cracks or chips. Dental bonding is a highly effective treatment for these minor cosmetic issues.
Treating tooth discoloration
When teeth whitening can’t provide suitable results on its own, the dentist can use dental bonding to treat tooth discoloration. The dental bonding material conceals stains on the teeth and can give a patient a clean, bright, beautiful smile.
Ideal candidates for dental bonding
Dental bonding works best for patients who have minor cosmetic dentistry issues that affect their smile. Patients with major dental issues such as missing or broken teeth require more involved cosmetic dentistry and restoration treatments to improve their smile. It’s important that patients have realistic expectations about the results of dental bonding.
Procedure for dental bonding
During dental bonding, the dentist cleans the tooth and then preps it for the composite/ceramic bonding material by scuffing the tooth surface slightly. The rougher surface helps the dental material adhere better. Before applying the bonding material, the dentist has ensured that it matches the color of the tooth receiving treatment. After the dentist paints the bonding material on the tooth, it’s allowed to dry and then receives a buff and polish, so it blends invisibly with the natural tooth.
Additional Options
Dental bonding isn’t an effective solution for all cosmetic dentistry issues, but it can work well for those with minor issues. When dental bonding isn’t enough to correct aesthetic issues, patients have a choice of porcelain veneers, dental crowns, fillings, inlays or onlays. For stains that are on the surface of teeth, in-office teeth whitening treatments can be highly effective and safe.
To learn more about dental bonding and other cosmetic dentistry procedures, contact our professional dental staff at Dupont Dental. Through our various cosmetic and restorative dental options, you can achieve a smile you’re proud to share.
