In the realm of cosmetic dentistry, dental bonding stands out as a versatile and effective procedure. Many patients haven’t heard of this procedure even though it’s simple and used for dental fillings as well as for correcting various cosmetic imperfections.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding, also known as tooth bonding, is a procedure where a dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin to one or more teeth to repair damage. It is called bonding because the material bonds to the tooth.
Applications of Dental Bonding
Dental bonding can be used to improve the appearance of a discolored or chipped tooth, close gaps between teeth, increase the size or change the shape of a tooth, and protect the root of a tooth exposed due to receding gum lines.
Procedure Overview
Minimal preparation is needed — anesthesia is often not necessary unless bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth. The dentist matches the shade of your existing teeth to select a composite resin color. The surface is roughened and a conditioning liquid applied. The putty-like resin is then molded and smoothed to the desired shape, then hardened with an ultraviolet light or laser. After the resin is hardened, the dentist trims, shapes, and polishes it to match the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface.
Advantages of Dental Bonding
- Cost-Effective: Among the least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures.
- Speed: Typically completed in one office visit.
- Minimally Invasive: Requires the removal of the least amount of tooth enamel.
With proper care, dental bonding can last several years. Avoid biting on hard objects and nail-biting, and maintain regular dental check-ups. If you are looking for a dentist in downtown DC for dental bonding and cosmetic dentistry, the team at Dental Town DC would be glad to help.