Everything You Need to Know About Cosmetic Bonding

In the event of a chip or cavity, cosmetic bonding is both a cost effective and quick way to fix the issue and get your teeth back in top shape. Cosmetic bonding is simply a resin that is shaped and hardened, ultimately bonding to your tooth to create a long-lasting solution that is both durable and maintains the integrity of your smile; since the resin is the same color as your teeth.

While it is also used to change the length or shape of teeth, for everyday dental purposes, it is simply used as way to correct cavities and imperfections in the teeth while keeping your signature smile in tact! It can also be used to close the space in between a tooth or to protect a part of the tooth that has been exposed due to receding gums.

The Advantages

Cosmetic bonding is the go-to for a chipped tooth or a cavity because of the low cost and can be done easily, usually in one visit. One big advantage to cosmetic bonding is that it takes very little preparation.

Unlike crowns or veneers which take time to make into the right shape for your mouth, cosmetic bonds are formed and hardened during the procedure. It is also more cost effective and less enamel is removed during the process. With cosmetic bonding, a white composite material that matches the color of your teeth will enable your mouth to maintain a natural look and feel.

The Disadvantages

While composite can be used to match the shade of your tooth, it is susceptible to staining. While it is made to be resistant to staining, composite can stain more easily than your actual teeth.

While composite is less expensive than crowns or veneers, it is still more costly than amalgam (silver) fillings. Composite is also not as strong as other dental materials like porcelain. Also, for larger cavities cosmetic bonding will not be as strong as the composite is weaker over larger spaces.

What to Expect

When going in to have a cavity filled, the first step is for local anesthesia to be applied to the area near the tooth. Anesthesia is typically only necessary when filling a cavity and not required for cosmetic enhancements.

Then, the tooth will be cleaned thoroughly to remove any decay. A clean, decay-free surface allows the composite to bond properly restoring the tooth to it’s natural form and function.

At this point, shaping or roughing of the tooth may be necessary before using an acid gel to ensure that the composite will create a strong bond with the surface of the tooth. Then the composite is applied to the tooth and hardened with a special curing light.

Typically, the composite will be applied in layers to help shape and shade the tooth and create the right texture. Once the composite has been applied, buffing and polishing of the tooth will help give your tooth the right finish.

Overall, cosmetic bonding is an excellent way to fix or repair teeth and has become the standard to fill cavities and other imperfections. The procedure is fairly easy and unless multiple teeth are involved, it can be done in one visit to the dentist.

With the ability to match the color of your actual teeth, the impact to your daily life will be at a bare minimum as it ensures that your signature smile will stay in tact. However, cosmetic bonding can be a complex cosmetic dentistry procedure and it is essential that your dentist have the proper training in order to make sure it is done properly.

Finding a quality dentist can be a challenge and when it comes to filling cavities, you can’t afford to settle for someone inexperienced. Get in touch to schedule your appointment today.