Cosmetic Dentistry: What is Dental Bonding?

cosmetic dentistry Gainesville, GA

Cosmetic dentistry is really just a large umbrella term for a variety of different dental treatments and procedures. Understanding what problems exist with a patient’s tooth can determine what form of dentistry is needed to restore teeth to proper health. If a dentist has already decided that dental bonding is the right treatment to pursue, you may be wondering what it entails, how the procedure will go and other general questions.

Understanding the basics

Preparing for a dental bonding treatment is not necessary, as it is a relatively simple process with minimal hassle involved. Here is what a patient may expect from their visit to the dentist for bonding, as well as the general timeline, reasons for bonding and care instructions.

Dental bonding defined

Dental bonding is a type of cosmetic dentistry that involves the placement of resin over or on a tooth. The process can be completed in one office visit to the dentist and is one of the least invasive dental procedures available.

Uses

Bonding is helpful in fixing a variety of dental problems and restoring teeth to a functioning and attractive level. Cracked, chipped, discolored and decaying teeth can all be candidates to receive bonding. Applying the resin to a tooth can alter its shape and improve its appearance, which, in some cases, can lead to an enhanced smile. It can fill gaps between teeth or lengthen teeth when they have been worn down. Bonding is also a popular option for filling in smaller cavities that do not require root canals.

The office visit

When a patient arrives at the dentist’s office for bonding, they can expect to go through the following steps:

  • The dentist examines the patient’s teeth and matches the resin to the natural teeth color
  • The surface of the tooth is abraded so that the resin will stick to it better
  • A liquid is smeared over the tooth, and the resin is applied
  • An ultraviolet light is used to harden the resin to the tooth

Oftentimes there is no preparation before dental bonding, but a dentist will instruct a patient if some is required.

Timeline

The visit for dental bonding can last between 30 minutes and one hour. However, every case is different, and some may take shorter or longer. Bonding may be expected to hold between 3-10 years, depending on the patient’s oral hygiene habits.

Maintenance

Caring for a dental bond is no different than maintaining good oral hygiene. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day and rinsing with mouthwash. To prevent the bonding material from chipping away, it is advised not to chew overly hard foods or bite nails or pencils. These could lead to damage of the bond that requires an appointment for a replacement sooner than expected.  

Conclusion

Dental bonding is one of the simplest and least expensive forms of cosmetic dentistry. It may be a good option for those with minimal tooth wear or cracks who want to restore their smile to its former appearance.

Are you considering cosmetic dentistry in the Gainesville area? Get more information at https://gallodental.com.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

When Do Dentists Recommend Dental Sealants

Besides good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, dental sealants are another preventive measure that protects the teeth against decay. Tooth cavities or decay remains the most common childhood disease in the United States. Despite the importance of dental sealants, many parents do not know about their purpose and how they work to protect a…

How Often To Perform Denture Care

For patients with dentures, proper denture care is necessary for preserving the life of these appliances and keeping them looking clean and attractive. Like natural teeth, dentures are prone to a buildup of plaque and food debris. With the right care, these prosthetic teeth will retain their shape and look their best.Just like natural teeth,…

Scaling And Root Planing For Gum Disease

Healthy oral habits can prevent issues that may lead to infections such as gum disease. This problem, also known as gingivitis, can be common in both children and adults; however, if it is left untreated, it may worsen and cause serious discomfort or cause secondary infections within the body. Oral treatments such as scaling and…

4 Restorative Dentistry Procedures After Teeth Grinding

Unlike general dentistry, which focuses on routine examinations and treatment, restorative dentistry is a specialization focusing on the repair or replacement of damaged or missing teeth. Bruxism is a fairly common condition that causes the clenching and grinding of teeth. While no single cause exists for bruxism, the results of teeth grinding are well documented.…

Recent Posts

When Do Dentists Recommend Dental Sealants

When Do Dentists Recommend Dental Sealants

Besides good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, dental sealants are another preventive measure that protects the teeth against decay. Tooth cavities or decay remains the most common childhood disease in the United States. Despite the importance of dental sealants, many parents do not know about their purpose and how they work to protect a…

How Often To Perform Denture Care

How Often To Perform Denture Care

For patients with dentures, proper denture care is necessary for preserving the life of these appliances and keeping them looking clean and attractive. Like natural teeth, dentures are prone to a buildup of plaque and food debris. With the right care, these prosthetic teeth will retain their shape and look their best.Just like natural teeth,…