Using Dental Bonding to Improve Your Smile

With advancements in dental technology, there are several procedures now available to either save teeth and restore their health or improve their appearance, and patients no longer need to worry about the pain associated with a procedure. One versatile treatment is dental bonding, a simple and affordable treatment performed at Image Dental in SW Calgary, AB. It can be used to create a beautiful smile without pain or discomfort.

What is dental bonding?

Bonding refers to the application of a composite resin, usually a plastic, to a tooth. It is a tooth-colored material, so it can be made to match the surrounding teeth when it is applied to fix a decayed or fractured tooth or repair chipped and discolored teeth. It can also be used to close gaps between teeth, make teeth look longer, or reshape teeth to make them more attractive. If part of a tooth has become exposed due to gum recession, dental bonding can be applied to protect it.

How is dental bonding done?

Your dentist at Image Dental will begin by choosing the right composite color to match the tooth receiving the bonding. The tooth will then be etched to roughen the surface and a conditioning liquid will be applied to help the bonding material to adhere more firmly. Once the tooth has been prepared, the resin will be applied, molded, and smoothed into the desired shape. It will then be hardened using a laser, trimmed to the right size, and polished to match the shiny appearance of the surrounding teeth. Bonding usually takes just a few minutes, but more than one appointment may be needed if multiple teeth are being treated.

Types of dental bonding

Direct composite: applying a tooth-colored material directly to the tooth surface to change the tooth’s appearance or to fill cavities
Adhesive bonding: involves attaching a dental restoration such as a crown, veneer, or bridge to a tooth.

Advantages of dental bonding

Dental bonding offers several advantages over other cosmetic procedures.

• It can be done in one visit to the dentist, without the wait time required for restorations created in dental labs.
• It does not require a dental anesthetic.
• It is one of the most affordable cosmetic treatments.
• Your dentist will only need to remove a minimal amount of enamel from the tooth.

How to care for dental bonding

Dental bonding generally requires the same type of care as natural teeth do – daily brushing (twice a day) and flossing, along with visits to the dentist twice a year. Because composite resin can stain, it is recommended to avoid staining foods and drinks, namely tea, coffee, and red wine. Smoke can also stain or discolor the bonding. Additionally, bonding is not as strong as natural teeth, so avoid situations that could cause your teeth to chip, such as chewing hard substances.

If you have been looking for a simple and versatile cosmetic treatment to make a change to your smile, dental bonding could be your answer. Contact us at Image Dental in SW Calgary, AB to make an appointment.