No matter how diligent you are about visiting your dentist, sometimes accidental injuries or everyday wear and tear can wreak havoc on your smile, causing chips or cracks. If your smile isn’t where you want it to be, your dentist may have mentioned tooth bonding as a potential solution. But how does tooth bonding work?
How Does Tooth Bonding Work?
What Is Tooth Bonding?
Tooth bonding refers to the process of your dentist applying a tooth-colored resin composite to your teeth. The resin fills in cracks and chips and gives your teeth an attractive, uniform look.
What Is the Procedure Like?
Tooth bonding couldn’t be easier. There’s no real preparation needed on your part except your regular dental hygiene routine. The process is simple:
- First, your dentist will color-match a composite resin to the color of your teeth.
- Second, your dentist will roughen the visible surfaces of your teeth to help the resin bond.
- Third, your dentist will apply the resin to the areas of your teeth that are most visible when you talk, eat and smile. If there are specific areas that require extra attention, like chips and gaps to be filled, your dentist will address these as well.
- Fourth, your dentist will use a special curing light to harden the resin, bonding it instantly to your teeth.
- Finally, your dentist will perform additional shaping if necessary and polish the bonded areas so they match the natural sheen of the rest of your teeth.
And that’s all! It’s simple, painless, and easy.
How Does Tooth Bonding Compare with Other Options?
Everyone knows a great smile can boost your mood and give you a newfound confidence. There are a lot of options for people who want to improve the appearance of their teeth. So why go with tooth bonding?
For one thing, tooth bonding is a good all-purpose option for those who have multiple cosmetic dental issues. Tooth whitening can assist if color is your only concern, but it can’t help you if you’re dealing with gaps, cracks, or chipped teeth. Crowns and veneers are also a great option for those who want to improve the appearance of their teeth, but they are not appropriate for everybody, and they may be a more complex and expensive option than you currently want to pursue.
Tooth bonding also has a lot of advantages when compared to other procedures. It is less invasive than some other treatments, and it can often be completed in a single visit. The tooth bonding procedure is relatively painless, and won’t even require anesthesia unless you’re also having a cavity filled. Appointments take as little as 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. You could leave your office for a lunch break and come back with a new smile!
Does Tooth Bonding Work for Everyone?
How does tooth bonding work for individual patients? It depends on a number of factors. Tooth bonding is not a permanent cosmetic solution, and there are some dental issues it cannot fix. If your teeth are in an advanced state of decay, crowns or veneers might be a better option. Some dental insurance plans also do not cover dental bonding, so it’s important to consult your insurance company and your dentist’s office to determine the cost. However, if a dentist has recommended tooth bonding to you and the procedure is in your budget, why not go for it?
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Now that you know how tooth bonding works, you might be curious if it’s the right option for you. How does tooth bonding work at Wilkinson Dental? Give us a call to find out.
If you’re looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly dentist near Springfield, Missouri, contact Wilkinson Dental. Dr. Wilkinson and his team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. For exceptional and comprehensive dental care, schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!