When we talk about dental bonding we’re not talking about the way you connect with your dentist – although having a good rapport with any dental professional is never a bad thing. Instead, we’re talking about an affordable and versatile technique that can be used to turn less-than-perfect teeth into an amazing smile transformation in super-quick time!
In fact, tooth bonding, otherwise known as composite bonding, is one of the most common yet adaptable treatments that dentists perform. But just because it’s commonplace doesn’t mean it has less of an impact than other cosmetic treatments. On the contrary, when used correctly, this procedure can have a significant impact on your smile.
So What Is Dental Bonding, Exactly?
Dental bonding is essentially a process that applies a tooth-colored resin to the surface of a tooth. Once applied, the resin hardens, or ‘bonds’ to form a new protective layer. In fact, it’s the same material dentists use for white fillings. But while fillings are applied to fill cavities and protect a tooth, composite bonding is used to fix a wide variety of dental imperfections. As such, it represents an affordable and instant way to transform teeth.
In this post, we’ll look at 5 of the most common ways that dental bonding is used to change a smile. So let’s get started!
Eradicating Tooth Blemishes In An Instant
According to an article published in the New York Post, 57% of the US population are reluctant to show their teeth when smiling or laughing because they feel self-conscious. While some of this may be down to missing or decaying teeth, the majority of people aren’t happy with their teeth because of discoloration or blemishing. In reality, this is a relatively simple fix.
During the procedure, composite bonding material can be applied to the front surface of the tooth in less than one hour to hide discoloration. Once applied and hardened, the material, complete with hydrophilic primers, creates a natural and seamless barrier that can be skillfully blended to match the rest of your smile. The result is a flawless and uniform look that hides imperfections.
Restoring Tooth Cracks Or Chips
Despite tooth enamel being the strongest material in the human body it is prone to chipping or cracking as anyone who has ever bitten down on something overly hard will testify.
While minor chips or cracks don’t necessarily cause discomfort or further problems, they can be aesthetically undesirable. One of the ways you can fix this type of issue is with cosmetic porcelain veneers, and while veneers may be a more permanent option, they also require multiple appointments meaning they can be costly to facilitate.
Alternatively, dental bonding provides a more affordable option that can be used to fill in slight tooth cracks or chips. Once smoothed over, hardened and polished, the material restores the full functionality, shape and aesthetics of a tooth in just one sitting.
Closing The Gap
According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), 65% of the population are not blessed with perfectly aligned teeth – meaning it’s likely that you or someone you know has unevenly spaced or “gappy” teeth. For some people, this isn’t so much of a problem as it defines who they are, but for others, a smile that is anything less than perfect can be an acute source of embarrassment.
Of course, one proven way to solve the problem in the long term is to opt for orthodontic treatment like braces or aligners. However, treatment can take many months to complete. So while braces are definitely the right way to go if you have more severe spacing problems, for those with minimal spacing issues, particularly those that are more cosmetic in nature, dental bonding provides an affordable, quick-fix solution.
So how does it work?
By applying composite resin material to the teeth sides and those adjacent to the gap, it’s possible to fill in any excess spacing. The result is a uniform smile that you won’t be afraid to wear.
Straightening Crooked Teeth
We’ve already demonstrated how dental bonding can close tooth gaps but did you know that by using the same principle, it can also work to give the appearance of straighter teeth?
By reshaping and contouring specific areas of a tooth, a highly skilled dentist can quickly achieve a more symmetrical shape giving the appearance of a smile that’s in perfect alignment. This same process can also be used to lengthen short teeth for a more balanced aesthetic. Moreover, your cosmetic dentist will color-match any material to the rest of your smile resulting in a flawless finished look.
Adding Strength, Providing Protection
And finally, moving beyond the cosmetic capabilities of a dental bonding procedure, it also provides an added benefit – structural support and protection!
When a tooth cracks or chips, for example, it can leave it vulnerable to infection or further cracking. When we apply a layer of bonded resin it forms a barrier when hardened – one that protects and strengthens the problem tooth.
Of course, you could go right ahead and get a dental crown fitted and essentially, it would do a better job on teeth that are particularly vulnerable, like after root canal treatment. However, if you do have mild chipping or cracking, then you may want to consider this quick-fix, minimally invasive solution instead. Either way, any good dentist will explain all the options available to you including their advantages and disadvantages.
Dental Bonding – A Good All-Rounder!
As you can see, dental bonding is about as universal as a dental treatment gets. Not only can it improve teeth cosmetically across a number of treatments, but it also helps strengthen and protect teeth from further damage. While many other treatments do one or both, composite bonding does it quicker and, in many cases, cheaper.
If you want to find out whether dental bonding is right for you, talk to our amazing team at Mint Dental here in Anchorage. We pride ourselves on having an open and honest relationship with patients and that means explaining all treatment options as well as the pros and cons of each. In other words, we won’t talk you into costly long-term treatments if we don’t deem them the best option for your current situation.
So, if you’re ready to upgrade your smile and prefer a treatment that is quick and cost-effective, talk to us about our dental bonding procedure. Call (907) 313 1864 or visit our website to schedule an appointment today. We guarantee your smile will thank you for it!
