What is Dental Tooth Bonding?
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by Dr. Beau Beecher, DDS on 1/2/2024
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General
These days there are many cosmetic procedures available to enhance your smile, but one that’s experiencing a huge growth in popularity is dental tooth bonding. In just a single visit you can see stunning results. If this sounds like exactly what you’re looking for, read on to learn more about what tooth bonding is, how it works, and the many benefits it offers.
What is Dental Tooth Bonding?
Dental tooth bonding – also referred to as tooth bonding or cosmetic tooth bonding – is one of the most commonly performed procedures in modern dentistry. It applies a precisely color-matched resin to your teeth, then hardens it with a special light that bonds the material to the teeth. While the resin is not as strong as your natural teeth, it typically lasts anywhere from three to 10 years depending on your personal dental habits and condition.
What is Dental Tooth Bonding Used For?
Dental tooth bonding is a cosmetic procedure used to improve the appearance of teeth. It’s a versatile treatment that can be used to address numerous issues, including:
- Hiding tooth discoloration
- Repairing tooth decay or cavities
- Repairing chipped or cracked teeth
- Closing gaps or spaces between teeth
- Protecting teeth from receding gums
- Replacing silver fillings for a more natural look
- Changing the shape of teeth or making them appear longer
What’s the Difference Between Tooth Bonding and Veneers?
Dental tooth bonding is often compared to veneers as a cosmetic dentistry option. However, there are some very important differences to understand between the two. Veneers utilize custom ceramic shells that are applied to the front of your teeth. Though veneers might have a longer lifespan than tooth bonding (around 10-20 years), the procedure is permanent and often requires removing enamel from the surface of your teeth. With tooth bonding, the procedure may be less impactful and only requires occasional touch ups.
What are the Benefits of Dental Tooth Bonding?
If you and your dentist determine tooth bonding is the best procedure to meet your needs, there are several benefits to going this route.
- Ease and comfort. Dental tooth bonding is a very straightforward procedure that can normally be completed in one visit. It is also relatively painless and requires minimal anesthesia and in some situations, none at all.
- Affordability. Compared to other cosmetic dental procedures, tooth bonding is one of the most affordable options. Always check with your dental insurance to see if you can reduce costs further with your coverage.
- Low impact. It is uncommon that tooth bonding requires the removal of enamel or reshaping of teeth that you find with dental crowns or veneers.
- Versatility. From offering a brighter smile to repairing chips and cracks, tooth bonding has a wide range of applications.
- Simplicity of care. Tooth bonding does not require any special care. All you need to do is maintain regular dental habits like brushing twice daily, flossing, and limiting food and drink that are harmful to teeth.
What to Expect During the Tooth Bonding Procedure
Although the dental tooth bonding procedure is quite simple, it always helps to know what you can expect. Here’s a quick overview of how the process typically goes.
- Your dentist will use a color guide to ensure the resin used for bonding is an ideal match with the natural color of your teeth.
- The surfaces of your teeth are then slightly roughed up and conditioning liquid is applied to help the resin bond. This does not damage your teeth or cause pain.
- The color-matched resin is applied to your teeth. Your dentist will shape and mold it during this stage to create the appearance you desire.
- Using a special light, the resin is cured and hardened to form the bond with your teeth.
- With the bond complete, your dentist will then polish any teeth where resin was applied to ensure a natural, seamless look with your other teeth.
Best of all, this process can be completed in approximately 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. You’ll be in and out in no time, and walk away with the look you’ve always wanted.
Schedule an Appointment With Kimball & Beecher
If you want to learn more about the possibilities of dental tooth bonding for your smile, the skilled team of Kimball & Beecher dentists is here to help. We’ll work with you to understand your options and find the perfect solution to meet your needs. Schedule an appointment online or give us a call at any of our locations across Iowa today!