When Dental Bonding is a Recommended Cosmetic Dental Solution

When you visit your local dentist and ask about cosmetic dental solutions, you’ll probably hear the term dental bonding used in conversation. Although this may be one of many terms that your dentist uses to refer to what you want—a better smile—it’s important to understand what this means and why it’s used when discussing cosmetic dental solutions such as veneers or porcelain crowns.

How bonding works

When someone has tooth decay or sensitive teeth, they may want to consider getting bonding. Bonding uses tooth-colored materials to fill in gaps and fix small areas of damage on their teeth. This procedure can improve how your smile looks by reducing unsightly stains and removing minor chips and dents. All that’s needed is an appointment with your dentist, and you can start enjoying better-looking teeth right away!

When dental bonding first became available, it was basic and limited to just one or two colors. Today, dental professionals can use four different types of materials for bonding: porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), all-porcelain, metal, and glass ionomer. PFM is stronger than other materials and should last anywhere from five to seven years before requiring replacement.

Who benefits from bonding?

Dental bonding is commonly used to

• Change tooth color
• Repair chipped teeth
• Correct minor imperfections
• Tight spaces between teeth
• Alternative to crowns or veneers

Some cosmetic dentists offer discounts for patients who use bonding instead of more expensive procedures.

If you’re looking for affordable cosmetic dental procedures, bonding may be suitable for you. It can also help if you don’t have time to undergo more extended, more involved procedures like veneers or crowns.

How dentists apply bonding

Before cosmetic dentists can bond teeth, they must first prepare them for treatment. First, they’ll extract any decayed or broken teeth. Then, using dental x-rays to pinpoint problem areas, they’ll smooth any surfaces that are either uneven or susceptible to fracturing. The smoothed surface will hold bonding material more effectively than an irregular one.

Once teeth are properly prepared, cosmetic dentists apply bonding. This treatment involves applying a special adhesive to teeth that can either cover up discoloration or fix chips in the enamel. The bond becomes as strong as natural tooth enamel after it sets.

What results you can expect from bonding

If you have minor to moderate tooth discoloration, bonding can be an excellent cosmetic dental solution. Not only can it repair minor chips and cracks in your teeth, but it can also change their color. Your dentist will be able to assess your needs and provide solutions that are custom-tailored to you. However, if you have more severe issues like significant gaps or extreme discoloration, you may need more invasive procedures like porcelain veneers or crowns. If you’re unsure how much work you need to do on your smile, consult with a professional dentist to find out what’s right for you.

Request an appointment here: https://familydentistphoenix.com or call Phoenix Family Dentistry at (602) 547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.