Guide to Dental Bonding

A smile is often the first impression you give people, and it can be difficult to smile with confidence if your teeth are chipped or discolored. Dental bonding is one of the many ways to improve the aesthetic of your teeth, and the experienced staff at AZ Family Dental knows how important a perfect smile is for your self-confidence. That’s why we offer a selection of cosmetic procedures to enhance your smile without going over your budget.

There are several cosmetic dental procedures available, and the one you choose depends entirely on what works best for your teeth. There are a lot of benefits of dental bonding, which people sometimes overlook in favor of other dental procedures, such as veneers or crowns. That’s why we’ve created a complete guide to dental bonding, so you have all the information necessary before deciding which procedure is best for you.

What Is Dental Bonding?

To know whether dental bonding is the right dental procedure for you, you need to first understand what it is. Dental bonding is a simple and inexpensive cosmetic dental procedure in which the dentist puts a piece of tooth-colored resin — a type of plastic, essentially — on to the damaged tooth. That resin is then bonded with the tooth using an ultraviolet (UV) light. People who have chipped or cracked teeth, discoloration, or gaps between their teeth opt for dental bonding procedures since they are simple and fairly quick to do.

Because it’s a quick and simple procedure, there’s no need for any downtime, and you can return to your normal activities the same day. Plus, it doesn’t require anesthesia unless it’s to fix a cavity or another form of tooth decay. The length of time needed to complete the procedure can vary depending on how many issues need to be addressed.

Afterward, the bonded tooth requires very little maintenance outside of the usual oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing and flossing regularly.

Pros and Cons of Dental Bonding

Even if you’ve decided on a dental bonding procedure over veneers or crowns, it’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure, so you have all the necessary information.

Pros

The biggest pro of dental bonding is the cost. It’s one of the least expensive and simplest dental procedures available. It can be done in one visit and doesn’t require customized fitting. This means you don’t need to wear a temporary mold since there’s no custom-made product being manufactured just for you. Any shaping or molding that needs doing is done at the time the teeth are bonded.

It’s also a procedure in which the least amount of enamel is removed from your teeth, as compared to veneers or crowns. The enamel is a hard outer layer on your teeth that helps protect them from tooth decay, so it’s a crucial part of oral health.

Plus, dental bonding tends to be fairly painless and doesn’t require any anesthesia at all, unless it’s to fill a cavity. And using a compositing resin and an alternative to amalgam fillings has its own set of advantages. It’s much stronger than dental amalgam, it blends with the rest of your teeth, and it doesn’t require the removal of any healthy tooth surface.

Cons

While the composite resin used in dental bonding procedures is stain-resistant, it’s not as stain-resistant as veneers or crowns. Another downside is the bonding material doesn’t have as long as lifespan.

Dental bonding also tends to be done only on minor cosmetic issues, such as chipped or gapped teeth, and on teeth that don’t have a lot of bite pressure, such as the front teeth. A dentist is unlikely to perform a dental bonding procedure on anything other than small cosmetic changes or a temporary correction for cosmetic defects. And, because the bonding material is essentially a plastic, it’s far easier to chip or break off the tooth.

Types of Dental Bonding

There are two main types of dental bonding procedures: adhesive bonding and direct composite bonding.

• Adhesive bonding: This procedure involves using an etchant — a type of acid or corrosive chemical — as well as an adhesive and a curing light to attach a restoration to the damaged tooth. This procedure is best used for fillings, porcelain veneers, crowns that do not contain any metal.
• Direct composite bonding: This is the most common dental bonding procedure. The dentist creates a composite resin that matches the color of your teeth, molds it to fit your teeth, then applies it using a bonding agent. The resin is then cured using a UV light, and the bonded tooth can then be further shaped after it hardens.

Alternative Methods to Improve Your Smile

Dental bonding procedures are some of the most common ways to get your shiny smile back, but there are several other methods for improving your smile, including:

• Whitening: Sometimes, all your smile needs is a little freshening up. Teeth-whitening products are a quick and easy way to do it. There’s a variety of over-the-counter products you can use, but your dentist can also help unearth your pearly whites.
• Braces: Contrary to popular belief, you’re never too old for orthodontic work. Nowadays, braces don’t need to be the embarrassing metal nightmares we see in old movies and TV shows. People of all ages turn to braces to fix major or minor issues with the placement of their teeth.
• Crowns: Depending on what issue you’re aiming to get fixed, a crown may be a good solution for you. It’s a restoration that is placed directly over your tooth — like a cap or a crown — to give your teeth a gentle makeover.
• Veneers: Similarly, you can have veneers made for your teeth, which will improve the look of your teeth while protecting them from damage.

Despite the variety of options available to you to help you improve your smile, there are two ways you can guarantee a perfect smile: practicing proper oral hygiene and regularly visiting the dentist. Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day are two of the simplest ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy and thriving. Regular visits to your dental clinic also allow your dentist to make sure your mouth is working as it should.

If you’re in the market for a new smile or simply want to see what your options are, the experienced staff at AZ Family Dental is here to help. We have years of experience in family dentistry and are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal oral health. Whether you’re thinking about dental bonding, teeth whitening, or any of the other cosmetic dentistry procedures we offer, we’re happy to make your smile come true.

Get in touch with us to book your appointment by using our online contact form or by calling 623-777-2037.