If you have a tooth or teeth that have cosmetic issues, you’re likely considering repair options. One excellent option for minor repairs for cosmetic dental issues is dental bonding. There are a lot of advantages to dental bonding that make it a great option, as well as a variety of different cosmetic problems dental bonding can address.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves the placement of a tooth-colored resin on the damaged tooth of a patient. Dental bonding can be used to add to the shape, size, and overall appearance of a damaged tooth. Some of the issues that dental bonding addresses include:
· Cracked teeth
· Chipped teeth
· Gaps in teeth
· Cavities
· Worn teeth
· Discolored teeth
While dental bonding is a great option for many patients, for some dental veneers will need to be considered. If the damage is significant, a dental crown may be needed. For the issues above, though, dental bonding can often do the trick.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bonding?
There are a few excellent benefits to dental bonding. These include:
· A full smile. With dental bonding, you can smile wide and show off a full smile!
· Boost in confidence. Many people with a gap in their teeth or a damaged tooth find they have lower self-esteem due to the cosmetic issue. They also may have lower self-confidence. Dental bonding can help to provide a boost in self-confidence and self-esteem.
· Better mood. Because people with cosmetic damage to their teeth tend to hide their teeth, they often don’t smile as much. Smiling actually affects your mood! Many patients that undergo dental bonding find their mood improves, since they are less likely to hide their beautiful smile from the world.
· Teeth protection. Not only does dental bonding provide cosmetic support for patients, but it can also help to better protect their teeth. Dental bonding can provide additional support by creating a barrier between the healthy teeth of a patient and bacteria. With that said, it’s important to continue to brush! The barrier won’t eliminate tooth decay.
The Dental Bonding Procedure
The dental bonding procedure is pretty simple and straightforward. It begins with a trip to the dentist, where they can take a look at your tooth and see the extent of the damage. If they determine it is minor cosmetic damage, they may present dental bonding as an option. You can then speak with your dentist’s office to learn more about insurance coverage and cost (if necessary).
The placement process starts with your dentist comparing different color options for the resin that will be placed. Your dentist will pick the option that best matches the look of the tooth that is being repaired and the surrounding teeth. Once they’ve picked the perfect resin, they will prep the tooth. Once the tooth is prepped, they will add the resin and shape it. After this is completed, your dentist will use a UV light or laser to harden the resin.
The procedure is very quick and easy. Generally, it will only take around 30-60 minutes and can be done in one visit. Before you know it, you’ll have a fully repaired, natural-looking tooth!
Aftercare
After you’ve had your dental bonding procedure, you’ll need to take good care of your oral health to not only ensure the longevity of the bonding, but also to avoid any future damage to your tooth or teeth. Remember: dental bonding isn’t meant as a replacement for good oral healthcare. You still need to continue to brush, floss, and rinse twice a day, every day. You also need to continue visiting your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. If you don’t have an appointment in the books, call Nova Dental and set one today!
With all of this said, dental bonding doesn’t last forever. Expect your dental bonding to last around three to ten years. Once you notice problems with your dental bonding, set an appointment with your dentist for a repair.
With proper aftercare, you can enjoy your dental bonding for years to come!
Am I a Candidate for Dental Bonding?
One of the biggest factors when it comes to whether or not you are a candidate for dental bonding is the severity of the damage. If it’s a minor crack or chip, for instance, dental bonding may be the perfect solution. If the damage is severe, though, you may need something more intensive like a dental crown. Ultimately, your dentist will decide which repair will best meet your needs.
Once your dentist has decided that dental bonding is the right choice for your cosmetic repair, you can speak with their office about price and insurance coverage. Our team at Nova Dental is able to determine what your out-of-pocket cost will be and relay that information to you in a simple and concise way. We don’t hide any costs! You’ll know exactly how much the repair will be before the procedure begins.
Speak with Your Dentist
If you have a cosmetic issue with a tooth or teeth, set an appointment with a dentist at Nova Dental. We’d be happy to take a look at the tooth and determine if dental bonding is the right cosmetic repair option.
If you don’t already have a cleaning and checkup in the books, make sure you set one with Nova Dental today. Many cosmetic and major oral health issues can be avoided with cleanings and checkups twice a year. During these checkups, your dentist will be able to determine if you have any oral health issues that need to be addressed and take care of them before the issues progress. This will save you a lot of money on cosmetic repairs in the long run!
Dental bonding may also be an option for repairing a small gap in your teeth. Before spending a bunch of money on orthodontic repairs, let us take a look and see if the issue can be repaired with dental bonding.
We look forward to helping you with your cosmetic dentistry needs!