When it comes to a beautiful smile, even small imperfections can become significant distractions. Teeth with stains, sharp edges, or small gaps can tarnish your radiant grin. Fortunately, dental bonding provides a simple, quick fix to restore your smile.
At Edwards Family Dental in Dublin, OH, we believe everyone should love their smile. Leveraging our expertise in cosmetic dentistry, we provide services like dental bonding to address your oral health needs and help you achieve a smile that you’re proud to show off.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure where a tooth-colored resin material is applied to your natural teeth and hardened with a special light. This ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth, improving your overall smile.
The dental bonding procedure is typically used for restorative dentistry and can repair decayed, chipped, or discolored teeth. Unlike veneers and crowns, which require customized tooth impressions and a wait while the dental work is created, bonding can usually be done in a single office visit.
Dental bonding involves applying a durable, plastic material, known as composite resin, to the surface of the tooth. This composite resin color matches the color of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless look. The dentist then molds and shapes the putty-like resin into the desired shape before using a special light, typically UV light, to harden it.
Benefits of Dental Bonding
Dental bonding offers a range of benefits over other cosmetic and restorative procedures. One of the most significant advantages is that it is a relatively simple and quick process. Unlike a crown or a dental implant, which often requires multiple visits and extensive dental work, the entire process of bonding can often be accomplished in a single visit.
Another benefit of dental bonding is that it is minimally invasive and usually does not require anesthesia unless bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth. It also requires little to no removal of tooth enamel, making it a less substantial procedure than veneers or crowns.
Furthermore, dental bonding is a cost-effective treatment option. Composite bonding is typically less expensive than porcelain veneers or crowns, and dental insurance often covers bonding, especially when it is done for structural purposes or to fill a cavity.
Dental Bonding Procedure Explained
At Edwards Family Dental, the dental bonding procedure is straightforward and convenient. The steps include:
- Preparation: Anesthesia is often not necessary unless the bonding is being used to fill a cavity.
- Selection of the Composite Resin Color: The dentist will use a shade guide to select a composite resin color that closely matches the color of your natural teeth.
- Bonding Process: The surface of the tooth will be roughened, and a conditioning liquid will be applied. This helps the bonding material adhere to the tooth.
- Application of Resin: The tooth-colored resin is applied, molded, and smoothed to the desired shape.
- Hardening of Resin: The dentist will use an ultraviolet light or laser to harden the material.
Caring for your bonded tooth doesn’t require special care. Regular good oral hygiene practices are generally sufficient.
Caring for Your Bonded Teeth
Maintaining your oral health after a dental bonding procedure is crucial. Simple practices like brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and regular dental check-ups will help keep your bonded teeth in good shape.
However, bonded teeth, like natural teeth, are susceptible to damage from bad oral habits like biting fingernails, chewing on pens, or using your teeth to open packaging. Also, avoid or limit coffee, red wine, and smoking, which can stain the bonding material.
Finally, while dental bonding is a durable treatment, it may not last as long as other restorative procedures like crowns, veneers, or implants. Regular check-ups with your dentist will ensure any wear or damage to the bonding can be repaired promptly.
Trust Edwards Family Dental for Dental Bonding in Dublin, OH
Edwards Family Dental is committed to providing comprehensive dental care tailored to meet your individual needs. Our dedicated team of professionals is ready to help you restore your smile with dental bonding. If you’re ready to say goodbye to imperfections and hello to a beautiful smile, call us today to schedule an appointment.
