We use dental bonding as a solution to a variety of dental challenges. In our dental office, we practice cosmetic dentistry, so if you have an issue with your teeth, there are generally multiple ways to address it. For example, if you crack a tooth, we could correct it using bonding material, a dental veneer, or a dental crown - three solutions all accomplishing the same thing, but in different ways. We believe in providing patients with options and will take the time to explain the pros and cons of each during your dental appointment. What we have found is that while many people are familiar with solutions like dental crowns, few are aware of bonding or how it can help them. With that in mind, here is what you need to know.
What dental bonding can accomplish:
Restorations. We can use bonding material to restore damaged teeth. If a tooth is cracked or chipped, this is an excellent solution. The bonding material looks natural and is tooth-colored, so it will blend in and be difficult to tell that the tooth was ever damaged in the first place.
Shaping. If you have a tooth that is misshapen, like if one tooth is longer than another, we can remove part of your enamel and use bonding material to finish shaping and protecting the tooth.
Covering stains. Since bonding material is applied to the surface of teeth, it can be used to cover dark stains when a whitening procedure is not enough to do so. This can be necessary if the discoloration is severe due to tobacco use or excessive antibiotics.
Closing gaps. If you have small gaps in between your teeth, bonding material can close them. This is an excellent alternative to orthodontics and can serve to correct this common aesthetic challenge.
Advantages of dental bonding:
Non-invasive. When applying dental bonding, we only need to roughen the tooth and apply a moisturizing solution. This is different from the process for placing dental veneers or dental crowns since both of these solutions require a portion of the enamel to be removed first. These procedures can cause irritation and require medication to keep patients comfortable, while a bonding procedure does not.
Great for kids. If your child or teen has damaged a tooth, dental bonding is an excellent way to restore it because it is a non-invasive procedure. Bonding can be completed quickly, so your child will not need to hold still for an extended period of time.
Fast procedure. We can complete a bonding procedure in one visit to our dental office whereas veneers or crowns typically take two to three appointments to place. This means that if you are in a hurry or need a fast dental restoration or aesthetic improvement, we can do so without disrupting your schedule.
Affordable. Since we complete everything in-house and without help from the dental lab, bonding can be more affordable than other cosmetic dentistry solutions.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call our office today.
