If you have a dental concern, such as a broken tooth or a discolored tooth, your dentist may recommend dental bonding. This innovative dental procedure bonds a composite substance over your natural tooth to help broken teeth or discolored teeth virtually disappear.
What Is Dental Bonding Used For?
There are several situations where dental bonding can be used. A few everyday situations include repairing a cracked tooth, a tooth with spaces between them, and a discolored tooth. Your dentist can complete these common cosmetic restorations in only one dental appointment. Whether you had trauma to your teeth causing them to crack or your teeth naturally have large spaces between them, dental bonding can help.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Often, dental bonding in Longview, TX, also called composite bonding, is used to improve the appearance of your teeth and enhance your smile. As the name indicates, composite material, either a plastic or resin, is bonded to an existing tooth. Unlike veneers or crowns, composite bonding removes little, if any, of the original tooth.
How Is Dental Bonding Placed?
First, your dentist will have a consultation appointment to understand what you want to restore. Next, you will choose your dental bonding shade. This shade may match the color of your tooth or maybe be slightly lighter to cover up decay. Lastly, your dentist will place the bonding material on your tooth and adhere it to it. He will then make minor adjustments to make it more comfortable to bite down.
What Are Some Advantages To Dental Bonding?
There are numerous benefits to using a dental bonding procedure. First, the process can be done in one dental appointment, usually less than one hour. Traditional restorations like dental veneers and crowns require the dentist to remove parts of your natural tooth. In a dental bonding procedure, little if any of the natural teeth are removed.
Another advantage is that the dental bonding material can match almost any tooth color. Whether you are looking for a lighter color because of tooth discoloration or you want to check your tooth color, dental bonding can help you. Lastly, dental bonding is typically more affordable than other cosmetic dental restorations. Many patients in Longview, Texas, have received a dental bonding procedure from Dolive & Acres Dentistry, and they love the results.
What Are Some Disadvantages Of Dental Bonding?
The main disadvantage of dental bonding procedures is that the bonding material is not as durable and long-lasting as dental veneers or crowns. Often, dental veneers and crowns are made of a porcelain material which is a durable and stain-resistant material. Composite resin, used for dental bonding, is not as strong and may need to be replaced or retouched in the future.
How To Care For Dental Bonding?
Composite bonds stain more easily and therefore require proper care and regular cleaning. Composites should be brushed and flossed daily to ensure the longest possible duration of the bonding. Our dentists at Dolive & Acres Dentistry recommend that patients use low-abrasive, fluoridated toothpaste to brush their teeth. This toothpaste is strong enough to remove bacteria and debris but will not damage the outer layer of your tooth.
Patients should also use caution when eating foods known to cause tooth discoloration. Common staining elements include coffee, tea, tobacco, nutrition, and candy. Other than avoiding these foods and drinks, patients can use a straw while drinking them and sip small bits of water while consuming them. This will help rinse off the debris and bacteria from your teeth to prevent tooth discoloration and decay.
Dental bonding in Longview, TX, is an excellent procedure that can transform the appearance of your smile. For more information about dental bonding or to schedule an appointment, call our office.
