You may be aware the cosmetic dentistry can change not just your smile, but your life. Surveys show that most people make snap judgments when meeting someone for the first time–assuming that someone’s appearance says a lot about their suitability for a job, the ability to sell, work with executives, competence, and intelligence. A winning smile makes a difference. The same is true for social relationships and dating.
Cosmetic dental procedures can range from wearing Invisalign aligners for a year or more and custom veneers placed over cracked or discolored teeth to having a full set of dental implants replace a mouthful of missing teeth.
Yet often overlooked is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to get a cosmetic upgrade for a smile: dental bonding. This is a composite resin material whose shade can be matched to your natural teeth or the shade you would like to have. The area of the tooth to be covered is roughened and then conditioned with a liquid to help the putty-like bonding adhere and your dentist applies and molds it to the desired shape. A laser or ultraviolet light is used to harden it and the whole process takes only 30 to 60 minutes per tooth.
Instead of veneers, which require having a dental lab customize them based on impressions taken by your dentist, bonding can simply cover stains on one visit.
Dental bonding not only covers any unsightly damage, but seals off access by bacteria to the vulnerable inner tooth and holds the tooth together to prevent further harm.
Bonding can cover gaps that can make you hesitant to flash your otherwise beautiful smile.
No matter what nature gave you, bonding can improve it, whether teeth are too small or misshapen.
If gums have receded to the point they show roots, bonding can protect them.
Instead of having a laugh that reveals controversial mercury fillings or some kind of old amalgam of metals, you can replace them with tooth-colored bonding to fill old cavities and new ones with this more sophisticated and safe material.
Aside from versatility, speed, and cost, dental bonding does have some disadvantages. It can stain more easily than dental porcelain used for veneers and implants, so you should brush right after consuming coffee, tea, or red wine or smoking. It is also not as strong, so biting hard or chewing on fingernails, pens, or ice is unwise. Typically, bonding can last 3-10 years, depending on your dental habits.
Set an appointment with CITIDental Boston to have your dental cosmetic needs, including bonding, evaluated.
Dental treatment is intended to restore or protect a tooth, but older dental work can…
Not every small chip, worn edge, or area of tooth discoloration requires a filling. However,…
Seeing blood when brushing or flossing can be concerning, but it does not necessarily mean…
Complete dentures are often associated with restoring a patient's smile, but their benefits extend well…
Many patients assume that seeing blood while brushing or flossing is normal. In reality, healthy…
Patients may occasionally see faint vertical lines on the front surface of a tooth and…