Dental bonding and its uses
Dental bonding is a technique that can transform your smile in a single visit to the dentist. It has been used in cosmetic dentistry for lots of years, and the process involves the artistic/skillful use of the correct color and amount of dental composite. This is a modulable material that consists of a paste-like compound made from acrylic resins and fillers.
Here are the primary uses of dental bonding: replacing metal/amalgam fillings, filling dental cavities, smile makeovers, reshaping teeth, improving the appearance of discolored teeth, repairing broken/chipped teeth, closing gaps between teeth, protect the tooth’s root in case it has been exposed due to gum receding.
Dental bonding procedure
The process might require a local anesthetic or not. The tooth’s surface where the composite is going to be applied will be cleaned for offering a clean surface for bonding. The dentist will select the correct shade of composite, and the tooth will be kept dry by surrounding it with cotton rolls or latex sheets. Then it will be roughened or shaped with a special tool. To obtain a better surface for the composite to adhere to, the tooth will be etched with a phosphoric-acid based gel.
After the bonding agent is applied, it will be exposed to a special light source which activates and sets the composite. Finally, the dentist will polish and buff the composite for a smooth finish.
Pros and cons of cosmetic bonding
The advantages of cosmetic bonding include the fact that the procedure is one of the least expensive dentistry procedures. It can be done in just a short visit to the dentist and, in comparison with crowns and veneers, the method requires almost no removal of tooth enamel.
The main setback of the procedure is that it doesn’t feature the strength of other material used for dental restoration such as ceramic and porcelain.
Pricing
The cost of cosmetic bonding usually varies depending on the type of bonding procedure chosen, and on the materials used by the dentist. The cosmetic dentist’s experience is another factor involved in the pricing of this procedure.
Available alternatives of cosmetic bonding
Porcelain veneers are a viable alternative for dental bonding. Veneers are wafer-thin laminates/shells of tooth-colored material (composite bonding material/porcelain/ceramic) which are cemented to the front surface of teeth to improve the cosmetic appearance.
Another alternative for dental bonding is orthodontic braces. These are made from wires and springs that are attached to tiny metal plates of to a plastic mold. They work by applying gentle forces to teeth, encouraging them to move in such a way that they adopt a different alignment. Usually, the best results when using braces are seen in kids while their teeth are still growing. Adults can also have orthodontic treatment, but the process will take much longer in their case.
Whatever dental treatment or cosmetic procedure you may need, the most important thing is to make sure you pick a clinic with a great reputation where dental practitioners have enough experience. For cosmetic dental issues, you can consider contacting a specialist clinic like Perfect Smile Clinic who alongside specialising in cosmetic dentistry, offer free consultations.
