Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure where a custom-tinted composite resin is applied onto the tooth’s surface to repair a variety of minor flaws. It is a cost-effective option compared to veneers and crowns and hardly requires to shave down healthy tooth enamel. The resin used is a putty-like material that is easy to mold into your desired shape and size, thus giving you the kind of smile you want.The bonding process starts with your dentist in phoenix roughening the surface of the tooth and then a conditioning fluid to help the resin stick is applied before finally applying the resin. It is then sculpted to your desires and then a light is use to help it cure and dry. For a natural look and feel, it is smoothed out again and trimmed if necessary. This whole process could take between 30 to 60 minutes per tooth, depending on the extent of damage being repaired.
What Problems can Composite Bonding Fix?
Tooth bonding is a simple procedure but has the ability to greatly improve both appearance and function of a tooth. Some common problems it can help fix include:
- Stains and Discoloration
If you suffer from severe staining or discoloration that cannot be corrected with teeth whitening treatments, then you can consider dental bonding. Some internal stains like those caused by prolonged use of certain medications or the use tobacco cannot be bleached and therefore the best thing you can do is cover them using composite resin.For this situation, you will still undergo the whitening treatment and then any teeth that are still stained can be covered-up with composite resin the shade of the surrounding teeth. However, keep in mind that the composite resin material used is porous and if you continue with habits like smoking, the bonded teeth will also stain and take a yellowish appearance.
- Irregularly Shaped/Cracked or Chipped Teeth
If your tooth has suffered a chip or crack but is otherwise healthy, a cosmetic dentist near you can improve it through dental bonding. The composite resin will be used to fill in the missing areas of the damaged tooth. Bonding can also be used to change the size and shape of a tooth. If you have an irregularly shape tooth or a tooth that is too small, the resin is applied and then sculped to the shape and size you want.Fixing a chipped, cracked or irregularly shaped tooth not only improves appearance of your smile but also improves function. You however need to keep in mind that bonding will not correct alignment or bite problems. So, if the shape and size of your teeth is causing you to experience problems such as pain when chewing, you may have to consider an alternative treatment.
- Gaps Between Teeth
Do you have gaps or spaces between your teeth that you find unattractive? Since bonding can be used to adjust the size and shape of your teeth, this can help cover any gaps between your teeth that you do not like. The procedure is mostly performed on the front incisor teeth. This is a fairly simple and faster process compared to orthodontic treatments like braces that may take up to 2 years to complete. With bonding, the dentist only needs to add a few millimeters of composite resin to a tooth and this will seal any gaps.
- Repairing Small Cavities
Patients with small cavities in areas of the tooth not exposed to high chewing pressure can also use bonding in place of fillings. Dental bonding is not recommended for large fillings since the composite resin material used is not capable to withstand excessive force or discoloration.Are you looking for a composite bonding dentist near you? Visit us today at All in One Benso Family Dental or book your appointment today. We have a dedicated team of professionals ready to serve you and ensure you get quality and effective treatment at all times. You will also be advised on the appropriate aftercare and maintenance to ensure you get the most from the procedure.
