If you have a chipped tooth or gaps between your teeth, cosmetic bonding may be the solution. Dental bonding can enhance the appearance of your teeth and give you a smile you have always desired. Dental bonding refers to a cosmetic dental procedure that entails applying a tooth-colored composite on the teeth to improve your smile. Bonding is an ideal dental procedure for people with stained, cracked, broken, or chipped teeth. If you are seeking the best cosmetic bonding services in San Fernando Valley, Northridge Dentist has the solution.
Understanding Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry refers to a method of professional oral care that mainly focuses on enhancing the appearance of your mouth, teeth, and improving your smile. In most cases, cosmetic dental procedures are elective rather than essential. However, cosmetic dental procedures provide immense restorative benefits.
You may experience low self-esteem due to a gap in your teeth or due to your stained teeth. Feeling good about you is an essential aspect of mental health. You need to be confident with how you look; cosmetic dental procedures can help to boost your looks and your confidence. Cosmetic dentistry is all about making people look better and feel better by improving the appearance of their teeth.
Cosmetic dentistry also helps to enhance better oral health. After undergoing a cosmetic dental procedure and getting the smile they have always wanted, most people feel motivated to maintain that smile. Therefore, the majority of them observe excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. The beneficiaries of cosmetic dental procedures also make regular visits to the dentist to ensure that their oral health is in check.
Cosmetic dentistry also helps to eliminate plaque and prevent tooth decay. When teeth are crowded together or misaligned, it is not easy to brush or floss the teeth effectively. When performing cosmetic dental procedures, dentists often clean the teeth and remove accumulated plaque. By aligning misaligned teeth, it becomes easy to brush the teeth. Cosmetic dental procedures like bonding can help to seal small cavities in the teeth.
The Bonding Procedure
During bonding, the dentist applies a tooth-colored composite, made from plastic, on the teeth. The application of the composite helps to repair fractured, chipped, decayed, or stained teeth. The dentist can complete the bonding procedure within the first visit. Bonding is a simple and straightforward procedure. Unlike dental veneers, which have to be manufactured in a laboratory and then customized to fit your teeth, bonding does not require much preparation.
The process is known as bonding because once the dentist applies the composite material on the teeth, the material sticks or bonds to the teeth. Bonding is not just the easiest but also the most affordable cosmetic dental procedure. Upon applying the composite material, the dentist can shape and polish the material to ensure that it matches the surrounding teeth.
The primary purpose of bonding is aesthetics or to improve the appearance of the teeth and enhance your smile. Bonding also helps to close the gaps between the teeth making the teeth appear longer and more attractive. If you are seeking to change the shape and the color of your teeth, you should consider cosmetic bonding.
In some instances, bonding may be an excellent alternative to amalgam fillings. If you have receding gums that often lead to exposure of a portion of the tooth's root, amalgam fillings may not be an ideal solution. However, even with receding gums, bonding is still an excellent cosmetic dental procedure.
The doctor does not require preparing ahead of the bonding procedure. Bonding is a non-invasive procedure, and anesthesia will not be necessary during the application. Anesthesia may only be essential if you have decayed teeth, and the dentist decides to use bonding to fill the decayed tooth.
Typically, composite fillings come in many colors to match the different natural tooth colors. Before applying the filling, the dentist may use a shade guide to help him/her select that color that suits you best. The dentist will go for the color that resembles the color of the surrounding teeth.
After choosing the ideal composite color, the dentist may slightly etch the surface of the tooth or teeth to make it rough. The dentist will then use a conditioning liquid to coat the tooth lightly. The coating is necessary because it enhances the bonding of the composite material.
After preparing the tooth, the dentist then applies the putty-like tooth-colored resin on the teeth. The dentist then molds and smoothens the resin until he/she achieves the desired shape. The dentist may then use laser or an ultraviolet light to harden the resin.
Once the resin material hardens on the tooth, the dentist will further shape and trim the dried resin. The dentist will also have to polish the material until it matches the color and the sheen of the rest of the tooth's surface.
Typically, the dentist may take around thirty minutes to one hour to complete the bonding procedure. A dentist requires this estimated time to bond one tooth. However, if several teeth require bonding, you may have to schedule additional appointments with the dentist.
It is imperative to take precautions immediately after cosmetic bonding. Within the first 48 hours after the procedure, it is advisable to ensure that you avoid smoking and taking beverages like tea and coffee because they can stain the resin before it dries off completely. Ensure that you avoid all food that may lead to staining of the composite resin. Ensure that you also observe dental hygiene and have a dentist clean your teeth regularly to help maintain their color.
Risks Involved
The composite material that the dentist uses during the bonding process is not as hard as the natural teeth. Therefore, you may damage the composite material if you bite on hard items. For instance, you may chip the composite filling if you chew your nails or other items like a pen or ice.
With proper care, bonding may last for several years before you require repairing the teeth or having the dentist repeat the bonding procedure. How long the bonding lasts or serves, you will depend on how the dentist conducted the bonding procedure and your oral habits.
Soon after bonding, you should be alert and look out for any signs that may prompt you to contact a dentist. For instance, ensure that you contact the dentist if you notice some sharp edges on the bonded teeth. If your bite feels off or strange after the procedure, you should inform your dentist. If the bonding pieces or chips fall off, ensure that you contact your dentist.
Advantages of Bonding
Bonding offers immense benefits over other forms of cosmetic dentistry procedures. Some of the leading benefits of bonding include:
Affordability
Most people consider cosmetic dental procedures to be expensive. Compared to other cosmetic dental procedures, bonding is one of the most affordable procedures. You will not require to invest much to have the dentist perform the dental bonding. However, despite being inexpensive, the results of the procedure are exceptional. After undergoing cosmetic bonding, you will feel more confident to smile at the world. You will no longer shy away from social gatherings because of stained teeth.
Easy to Perform
The dentist can complete the bonding process during the first visit to his/her office. When seeking the installation of dental veneers or dental crowns, the dentist requires preparation in advance. For instance, the dentist must first have the veneers prepared in a dental lab. However, in the case of bonding, you may only require to make a single visit to the dental clinic. It only takes around thirty minutes to one hour to complete bonding one tooth. You may only require to make several visits if you require bonding on several teeth.
Less Invasive
Bonding is a non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure. The procedure does not require the dentist to scrape off some parts of the tooth or to remove the tooth. The dentist will only have to clean the tooth, etch its surface, and apply the conditioning liquid. The dentist will then apply the resin, which dries on the tooth.
The doctor can bond your tooth in one short appointment. You will not require to take some time off work to get dental bonding. You can always go back to the office after a cosmetic bonding because you do not require some time to heal.
Painless
Because dental bonding is a non-invasive procedure, it is also painless. You will not experience any pain or discomfort during bonding. The dentist does not have to use anesthesia when bonding your teeth. You can enhance the beauty of your teeth and brighten your smile without any pain at all.
Limitations of Bonding
Despite the numerous benefits of cosmetic bonding, the procedure also has some limitations compared to other cosmetic dental procedures. Some of the limitations of bonding include:
Less Resistance to Staining
Upon applying the composite resin on your stained teeth, the teeth will look bright and amazing. However, the resin is not stain-resistant, and with time, your teeth may still stain again even after undergoing dental bonding. Therefore, you have to be careful and avoid meals and drinks that may stain the teeth. For instance, drinks like coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks may stain the teeth prompting you to undergo another bonding procedure. Dental crowns and dental veneers are more resistant to stains than composite resin.
Wears off with Time
Compared to other forms of cosmetic dental procedures, dental bonding may not last for many years. Typically, the bonding may last for up to seven years. However, this will depend on the initial application of the resin and also how you take care of your teeth. With proper dental hygiene, the bonding may last for many years. With poor dental hygiene, the composite resin may come off. You have to stay away from chewing hard objects because this may remove bonding from the teeth. Dental crowns and dental veneers are more resistant to breaking and may last much longer than dental bonding.
Many patients with bonding on their front teeth often avoid biting into hard objects because the foods may compromise the structural soundness of the bonding material. Other than a person's eating and chewing habits, how long the bonding lasts on the tooth will also depend on the location of the tooth. Bonding may last longer on hidden teeth at the back of the mouth than on the front teeth, which are often exposed.
If the bonding is on the very edge of the tooth, it is more likely to come off because of the biting force you apply whenever you are biting food.
When is Dental Bonding Ideal?
Dental bonding will be ideal if you have a minor cosmetic dentistry issue like a discolored tooth, a gap between your teeth, or silver fillings that show whenever you laugh or smile. Dental bonding may also come in handy in cosmetic dentistry to re-contour or reshape your teeth. However, unlike dental veneers or bleaching, you cannot rely on bonding to whiten or brighten your entire smile.
If you have small cavities in your teeth, dental bonding may be adequate and act as white fillings for the cavities. Bonding may only be effective as fillings if you do not regularly expose your teeth to excessive force when chewing. If you have large cavities in your teeth, the material used in dental bonding may not be effective to seal the cavities.
Just like other cosmetic dental procedures, dental bonding requires some artistic skills for the best cosmetic results. It is important to ensure that you only work with an experienced cosmetic dentist who understands how to conduct the procedure. You may always ask for evidence of a dentist's previous work. For instance, you may request the dentist to show you some photos of his/her previous dental bonding patients. By going through the before and after photos, you will be able to gauge whether the dentist can deliver according to your expectations.
Dental bonding may not be an ideal procedure for every dental situation. However, bonding provides a quick and relatively inexpensive means of improving your smile. By feeling good about the appearance of your teeth, you may feel motivated to observe good oral health to retain the newly acquired dental appearance.
Bonding a Child's Teeth
If you are wondering whether you can use cosmetic bonding to fix your child's chipped tooth, the answer is yes. A dentist can restore a child's chipped tooth by using resin on the tooth and shaping it until the tooth attains a natural look. The dentist matches the shade of the resin with the surrounding teeth to ensure that the tooth blends in well with the rest. This way, it will be hard to tell whether your child had a chipped tooth in the first place. However, it is important to note that unlike an adult person's teeth, a child's teeth are still growing. Therefore, even after undergoing bonding, the child may have to revisit the dentist now and then.
Due to the non-invasive and the painless nature of the procedure, bonding is an ideal dental procedure for children. Your child will not be uncomfortable or experience discomfort during the procedure.
Whitening Bonded Teeth
One of the common questions that most people ask is whether you can whiten bonded teeth. One of the significant drawbacks of composite resin used in bonding teeth is that it is prone to staining. So, is it possible to whiten bonded teeth? If you have bonded teeth, you may go ahead and whiten them. However, while the remaining or the exposed teeth enamel will whiten, it is not possible to whiten the bonded area.
It is not possible to whiten the composite resin. However, the good thing is that you may go ahead and whiten your teeth. The bonded parts will stand out by remaining stained. You can then visit the dentist and request him/her to upgrade the stained bonded areas with a fresh and new composite resin that matches the color of your whitened teeth.
After bonding your teeth, the first step to keeping them white is to observe an excellent at-home dental hygiene. Ensure that you brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day to ensure that you prevent tooth decay by removing surface stains.
In addition to observing excellent dental hygiene, it is advisable to ensure that you make regular visits to the dentist. By visiting the dentist regularly, the dentist will be able to polish and keep your teeth white for several years. Avoid activities that may stain your teeth, including taking red wine, cola, coffee, or other caffeinated beverages.
Is Dental Bonding Reversible
Unlike some cosmetic dental procedures, dental bonding is reversible. The dentist performs the bonding without removing the enamel from your teeth and makes the process reversible. Even after undergoing bonding, you may still change course or restore your teeth in the future. You will have the freedom to improve the appearance of your teeth using an alternative cosmetic dental procedure even after undergoing bonding.
After bonding, most patients are entirely happy and satisfied with the results. However, many patients use bonding as a temporary solution while considering how to improve their smile and their appearance in the long term.
The Cost of Cosmetic Bonding
If you are concerned about the affordability of dental bonding, you do not have to worry because the procedure is affordable. There is no need to participate in a dental lab because bonding material is usually available at the dental office. This makes the process of bonding more affordable than dental crowns and veneers, which are comparable procedures to dental bonding. It is important to get in touch with a reputable dentist who can give you a breakdown of what the bonding procedure will cost.
Typically, cosmetic bonding may cost between $100 and $400 per tooth. This may vary from one dental clinic to another and also depending on whether you are seeking bonding services for an adult or a child. The cost of bonding will also depend on the location of the tooth, the extent of the procedure, and the dentist's expertise.
A dental insurance company may not offer coverage for cosmetic dental bonding. However, it is advisable to check with your insurance company to find out if the company offers full or partial coverage for bonding.
Although most insurance companies consider bonding a cosmetic procedure and do not cover it, some insurance companies may cover part or full dental bonding expenses. Your dental insurance company is likely to cover bonding if you require to undergo bonding to fill cavities or to enhance or strengthen the structure of your tooth.
Highly reputable and well-experienced dentists may charge a higher fee for their dental bonding procedures. However, experienced dentists ensure that they conduct the procedure without any complications. You can be sure that with an experienced dentist, you will achieve the desired results.
You may incur a higher cost if you choose to combine dental bonding with additional treatments. For instance, additional treatments that may go hand-in-hand with bonding include a smile makeover. However, most dental offices offer discounts for combined or bundled dental treatments.
Protecting Bonded Teeth
Dental bonding is an excellent investment. Therefore, after undergoing the procedure, you should ensure that you take the necessary precautions to maintain the great results. You have to take some precautions to maintain the bonding and maintain a healthy and radiant smile. Avoid using your teeth as a tool for opening packages. For instance, avoid opening bottles or cans using your teeth.
Some people may suffer from bruxism. This is the unconscious clenching and grinding of the teeth. If you suffer from this condition, you may speak to your dentist, who may suggest some remedies. Some of the common solutions for teeth grinding include mouth guards and splints that help prevent your teeth from touching.
Find a Northridge Dentist Near Me
If you have chipped or stained teeth, you may shy away from the crowd for fear of getting embarrassed whenever you smile. Cosmetic bonding can help to enhance your smile and restore your confidence. If you are in Northridge, California, and you require an exceptional cosmetic dentist, contact Northridge Dentist at 818-875-0216 and speak to one of our experts.
