What is Cosmetic Tooth Bonding?

Say you have a chipped or discolored tooth. Or perhaps one tooth is oddly shaped compared to the rest. This is when cosmetic tooth bonding can be an ideal option to aesthetically fix those teeth. So here is what cosmetic tooth bonding entails.

What is tooth bonding?

Cosmetic tooth bonding is the application of resin, a type of plastic, that can be shaped and molded as needed. Not only can it change the look of the teeth but it changes the coloring as well. The resin is tooth colored and blends in with surrounding teeth.

Who should get it?

Anyone with cosmetic teeth issues is able to get tooth bonding. While it’s not a complete teeth whitening procedure, it can change the discoloration of an individual tooth. Gaps, cavities that need to be filled, chipped teeth or even a tooth's shape can be changed with the application of resin in tooth bonding.

The procedure

The tooth bonding procedure can often be done at the dental office. If the dentist is unable to perform the procedure they will refer you to a prosthodontist, a specialty dentist. The procedure itself is non-surgical and does not require any preparation. Anesthesia is also not required or needed unless the procedure is being done on a decayed tooth.

1. The procedure starts with a matrix being placed between the tooth being bonded and the surrounding teeth to protect them from any resin spill-off
2. The resin is then applied to the tooth or space and molded to fit
3. The plastic is then hardened with a special light
4. Once firm, the resin is shaped and polished so it is indistinguishable from the other teeth including in color

Several teeth can be fixed with the tooth bonding procedure, but this may require additional visits due to the time it takes for each individual tooth.

Tooth bonding aftercare

Once the procedure is complete, the bonded tooth still requires care in order for it to be maintained. Such as with regular teeth, it is important to be brushed and flossed on a regular basis. The teeth may be sensitive post-procedure but should hold. If pieces of the resin happen to fall off or chip, return to your dentist immediately for a repair.

Chewing hard food items, such as ice, can cause the resin to chip so they are best to avoid. Tea, coffee and cigarettes are also important to avoid as these can stain the resin and cause discoloration. Visiting the dentist on a regular basis for check-ups and cleans are also important to maintain the tooth bonding.

By following good care practices, the bondings can last for years before requiring any touch ups.

Finally

Tooth bonding can be a quick and efficient way to fix teeth in a way to make them aesthetically appealing, especially individual teeth that are not uniform for whatever reason. The procedure is painless and can be done in most dental offices. So contact a dental professional for more information.

Are you considering tooth bonding in the Brevard area? Get more information at https://www.carolinasmilesdentist.com.

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