Cosmetic Tooth Bonding
What is cosmetic tooth bonding?
Do you want to close a gap between your teeth or make a small change to the shape of a tooth? If so, cosmetic tooth bonding may be an option for you.
Dental tooth bonding procedures are often used to repair small areas in front teeth. Our dentists place filling materials (also known as dental composite or resin) in the prepared tooth using an adhesive process. Dental composite materials are mercury-free and come in a variety of shades to closely match your own teeth.
Cosmetic tooth bonding provides a wide range of solutions to make changes to your smile, including:
- Closing small gaps between teeth
- Smoothing chipped edges
- Changing tooth shape
- Concealing small dark tooth stains or discolorations
- Treatment and repair of small areas of tooth decay (common around the gum line)
The Cosmetic Tooth Bonding Process
Dental composite tooth filling materials are applied using an adhesive process:
- First, the dentist may get the area numb with local anesthetic. (This might not be necessary for extremely small or shallow restorations.)
- After choosing a shade that closely matches your teeth, the dentist will shape the soft composite filling material to the tooth.
- The composite material is hardened in place using a special light. This curing process creates an adhesive bond with natural tooth structure.
- Your dentist will smooth and polish your restoration and then you are ready to smile!
Advantages of Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Cosmetic dental bonding procedures are an affordable way to make changes to your smile. The adhesive bonding process also allows the dentist to place small restorations with minimal removal of natural tooth structure.
Bonding materials are not as durable, however as ceramic porcelain, which is used in larger tooth restorations like dental veneers and crowns. Bonded restorations are usually replaced every few years as they can become stained and worn over time.
Are you ready to learn more about making cosmetic changes to your smile?
Please contact our Dalton Dental Team to schedule an examination and consultation - let us help you discover options that are perfect for you.