Have you ever chipped a tooth by grinding your teeth or chewing something improperly? Cosmetic bonding is an excellent, efficient, and cost-effective way to restore a smile’s original appearance by repairing minor flaws like cracks, chips, stains, and small gaps. While other treatments like crowns or veneers might serve the same purpose, cosmetic bonding is minimally invasive and involves no interference with intact tooth structure. Read on to learn about cosmetic bonding and how it can best serve your smile.
How Does Cosmetic Bonding Work?
Cosmetic bonding can be completed in minutes at a routine dental appointment or at one scheduled specifically for the repair. Once the flaw to be corrected is identified, the dentist will apply a color-matched composite resin to the tooth. The dentist then shapes this resin to match the tooth’s natural contours before treating it with a special UV light. The result is a restored smile with no visible sign that it has undergone repairs. The lifespan of these restorations depends largely on the patient’s oral hygiene, but they can last between three and ten years before needing retreatment.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Cosmetic Bonding?
Other cosmetic dental procedures can be costly, require anesthesia, involve temporary tooth sensitivity afterward, or take hours or several weeks to complete. In contrast, cosmetic bonding has advantages such as:
- It can usually be completed quickly in a single visit.
- It normally requires no anesthesia.
- The treatment typically involves no removal of healthy natural tooth structure.
- The procedure is inexpensive.
- Aftercare is the usual oral hygiene regimen of regular dental appointments alongside daily brushing, flossing, and use of antibacterial mouthwash.
On the other hand, the material used in cosmetic bonding can be vulnerable to staining and can have a shorter lifespan than other cosmetic solutions. Since it is not as strong as the metals used in other restorations, the composite resin can also be more prone to damage.
What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for Cosmetic Bonding?
Cosmetic bonding is better for some people than others. While it can be an excellent solution for minor damage or stains, it is not adequate for treating more complicated dental problems. If your bite needs adjustment due to an improper alignment, cosmetic bonding would probably not be able to fill in the gaps. If there is not enough natural tooth structure remaining, cosmetic bonding will not be able to sufficiently fill it in.
Restoring your teeth with cosmetic bonding can give you a beautiful and natural-looking smile that you could be proud of. Consulting with your dentist can help you determine if the procedure is the right cosmetic solution for you.
About the Practice
Wolfe Dental provides the best dental care available to patients in Hillsboro, OR. Led by Drs. Ben Wolfe, Brian Bardeloza, Curtis Wahlen, and Gabe Proulx, the dedicated staff delivers compassionate and efficient service while creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. Specialties include general, pediatric, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as cosmetic bonding. If you’re curious about whether cosmetic bonding is the right treatment for you, contact the office online or dial (503) 844-6550.