01 May Everything You Need to Know About Tooth Bonding
Tooth bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that has been in regular practice since the 1970s. It’s not a new practice by any means, as it was first used all the way back in 1949 by a Swiss chemist. However, many people are still unfamiliar with it. Let’s take the mystery out of tooth bonding and uncover the main points. In this article, we explain the benefits of tooth bonding, how it works, why people choose this procedure, and how it could make you smile more often.
What Is Tooth Bonding?
Also known as cosmetic bonding, dental bonding is a way to correct or repair the appearance of your smile. It’s not meant to whiten your teeth, but rather to match your natural tooth color and correct cosmetic damage like stains and cracks. If you want to get your teeth whitened, do that first so the resin used for bonding will match your new tooth color.
Patients who have broken part of a tooth or want to correct the shape of their teeth choose bonding. If you’re wondering whether or not dental bonding is worth it, here are some common reasons people opt for this procedure.
Dental bonding can correct:
- Chipped, cracked, or damaged teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Receding gums
The Tooth Bonding Procedure
Step 1:
After your initial consultation, the doctors at Sun Lakes Dentistry will prepare your teeth for bonding. This involves etching the surface so that the conditioning liquid and bonding resin will adhere. It’s not painful, so you should not need a local anesthetic, but you can request it if you’re worried about the possibility of pain.
Step 2:
Next, the resin composite is applied to the teeth and expertly shaped to match your natural smile. It’s dried with an ultraviolet light and then the shape is fine-tuned from there.
Step 3:
Finally, the teeth are polished to improve their appearance. The entire process could take a few hours. It depends on each case and how many teeth are being addressed.
Benefits of Dental Bonding
Many people choose tooth bonding because it’s long-lasting and it only takes one appointment. Other benefits include its affordability and its short recovery time, especially compared to other cosmetic procedures like porcelain veneers. The process is non-invasive and after the procedure, patients can immediately resume their day-to-day life.
Some people have reported discomfort during the procedure. If this happens to you, let us know and we can make adjustments or give you an anesthetic. After the procedure, you might experience light sensitivity for a day or so, but this side effect can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does tooth bonding last?
With proper care, dental bonding can last up to ten years. Here are several things you can do to keep your bonded smile sparkling for years to come.
To make dental bonding last longer:
- Avoid or limit drinks that stain your teeth, such as coffee, black tea, and red wine. After indulging in these beverages, be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush when cleaning your teeth, to prevent scratches.
- Avoid using tobacco products, especially chewing tobacco. Nicotine will quickly stain dental bonding as well as your natural teeth.
Dental Bonding in Sun Lakes, Arizona
If you’re ready to correct the cosmetic imperfections in your teeth, we can provide you with the best dental treatments to fit your needs. Let us help you gain confidence in your smile again! Contact Dr. Saba & Associates at Sun Lakes Dentistry to schedule your cosmetic bonding consultation.