Has your smile lost some of its luster from stains, chips, gaps or other imperfections? Cosmetic dental bonding offers a quick, affordable way to fix minor tooth flaws for an improved smile. Here’s an overview of how dental bonding works and its benefits from Lethbridge dentists.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding applies a putty-like composite resin material to a tooth’s surface, then hardened with a special blue light. It’s used to repair chips or cracks, fix gaps between teeth, cover intrinsic stains or alter tooth shape and color. Unlike veneers, which require shaping teeth, bonding adds material for a minimally invasive option. It can frequently be done in one office visit.
Bonding Procedure
Your Lethbridge dentist first roughens the tooth surface to help the resin material adhere. They select a composite resin shade to match your natural tooth color. The putty-like resin gets sculpted into shape and contoured onto the tooth before hardening with the curing light. Your dentist meticulously polishes the bonding for a smooth, glossy look and feel. The finished result blends naturally with surrounding teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bonding
- Fixes chips and minor cracks instantly.
- Reshapes uneven teeth for symmetry.
- Corrects gaps between teeth.
- Covers intrinsic tooth stains or discoloration.
- No dental labs like veneers or crowns.
- Completed in one quick office visit.
- Minimal removal of natural tooth.
- Costs less than other cosmetic treatments.
- Looks and feels like natural teeth. Easy to match shade.
Ideal Candidates for Bonding
Bonding works for issues like:
- Minor chips, cracks, fractures or gaps
- Discolored or stained teeth
- Slightly crooked or uneven teeth
- Small irregularities in tooth shape
- Close spaces between teeth
- Repairing tooth defects or cavities
Bonding Limitations
Dental bonding near you has some limitations. It may not last as long or be as stain-resistant as dental veneers. Since bonding is applied directly to the tooth surface, chips or fractures in the material can lead to deterioration and staining at the margins over time. Poor oral hygiene can also cause bonded restorations to fail quicker.
Results don’t always match surrounding teeth perfectly. In cases of severe tooth damage, crowns or veneers may provide a longer lasting, more natural-looking solution. However, bonding remains an excellent minimally invasive option for minor issues.
Caring for Bonded Teeth
With good oral hygiene and care, quality dental bonding can last 5-10 years or longer. Avoid chewing hard foods like ice that could crack the material. See your dentist promptly if you notice any damage, chipping or bonding coming loose so they can repair it before extensive damage occurs. Protect bonding when playing sports by using a mouthguard.
Get the Smile You Deserve with Bonding in Lethbridge!
Minor chips, cracks, gaps or stains don’t have to hold your smile back any longer. To see if you’re a candidate for smile-enhancing dental bonding, schedule a consultation with Absolute Dental. Our knowledgeable dentists will recommend the optimal cosmetic treatments to beautifully transform your teeth affordably. Contact us today to learn more about revitalizing your smile with bonding!
