What is cosmetic bonding?
Cosmetic bonding is a dental procedure that fixes imperfections in your teeth by filling them in and covering them up with a tooth-colored filling material called resin. It’s a minimally invasive and cost-effective restorative procedure that can be done in a single office visit.
What conditions can cosmetic bonding treat?
By covering up the imperfections in your teeth, cosmetic bonding can treat a variety of dental conditions, like:
- Fractured, chipped, or cracked teeth
- Dull or discolored teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Wide spaces between teeth
- Teeth that are too short
The same material used in cosmetic bonding is also used to treat cavities caused by tooth decay and to protect the roots of teeth that have been exposed as a result of gum disease.
What’s the process for getting cosmetic bonding?
Your dentist first uses a shade guide to pick a resin color that blends seamlessly with your natural tooth enamel. Next, they scratch the surface of your tooth to make it rougher and better able to absorb a conditioning liquid.
Your dentist then coats your tooth with the conditioning liquid and applies the resin. The resin is a putty-like substance that your dentist can mold and shape so that your tooth retains a natural look. Once your dentist has shaped the resin properly, they harden it with a special curing light and make any final adjustments or trims with a drill.
Finally, your dentist polishes the bonding material until it matches the luminance of the rest of your smile, giving you an instantly improved tooth that looks right at home with the rest of your teeth.
How do I care for my teeth after cosmetic bonding?
Your cosmetically bonded tooth is more susceptible to staining for the first couple of days after your procedure. You can minimize staining by avoiding tobacco products and foods and drinks that are darkly pigmented, like coffee, red wine, and berries.
After your cosmetic bonding has settled in, you can treat it almost exactly like a natural tooth, with regular brushing and flossing and cleanings with your dentist.
The resin in a cosmetic bonding isn’t as strong as natural tooth enamel, so you’ll need to be a little more gentle with it in order to avoid chips or cracks. You should be careful not to do anything that puts too much force or pressure on it, like chewing ice or biting your fingernails. With proper care, your cosmetic bonding can keep your smile looking great for years!
Don’t wait any longer to improve your smile with cosmetic bonding.
Schedule a visit today with So-Well Dental Associates by calling the office or booking online.
