COSMETIC BONDING
Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth to restore or improve a person’s smile.
Dental bonding is an option that can be considered:
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To repair decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill cavities)
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To repair chipped or cracked teeth
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To make teeth look longer
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To improve the appearance of discolored teeth
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To close spaces between teeth
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As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
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To protect a portion of the tooth’s root that has been exposed when gums recede
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To change the shape of teeth
Advantages: Bonding is among the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures. Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a laboratory, bonding usually can be done in one office visit unless several teeth are involved. Another advantage, compared with veneers and crowns, is that the least amount of tooth enamel is removed. Also, unless dental bonding is being performed to fill a cavity, anesthesia is usually not required.
Disadvantages: Although the material used in dental bonding is somewhat stain resistant, it does not resist stains as well as crowns. Another disadvantage is that the bonding materials do not last as long nor are as strong as other restorative procedures, such as crowns and veneers. Additionally, bonding materials can chip and break off the tooth.
We cannot express enough how important it is to see your dentist regularly.
Remember, preventing disease is always better than treating disease.
