Why Tooth Bonding May Just Be What Your Imperfect Smile Needs!

Let’s face it. We all want perfect smiles. While we all define what a perfect smile would be differently, it’s generally accepted that a perfect smile includes a complete set of teeth that are as white as pearls, hence the origin of the phrase, “pearly whites”. Unfortunately, however, certain life choices and genetics may get in the way of what we want. Though, this is where dentists come in.

Dental practitioners are the experts that you call on to help you get the perfect teeth you’ve always wanted, which for most people means the regular removing of visible tartar on their teeth and the occasional, cosmetic bleaching.

In certain cases, however, regular cleaning and cosmetic bleaching just isn’t enough because of a number of factors. And, in such cases, the dentist may recommend a procedure known as “tooth bonding”.

What is tooth bonding?

For cosmetic purposes, tooth bonding is the process of applying a composite resin to the area of your teeth that’s already blemished beyond conventional means of restoration. To achieve this, the composite resin is tinted to mimic the exact same shade and color of your natural set of teeth. In addition to that, the same resin can also be placed onto the problem tooth’s structure and shaped, as well as polished according to the overall appearance of the said tooth.

What is tooth bonding good for?

The use of composite resin has been known for many years as a very good alternative to the more common procedure of dental fillings.

Many dentists prefer composite resin because they’re aesthetically pleasing and carry less risks of failing.

Tooth bonding, as a procedure, also offers a lot of benefits, such as:

  • The whitening of severely stained teeth.
  • Fixing teeth with chipped edges and minor cracks.
  • The filling of excessive spaces in between teeth.
  • Fixing the shape of irregularly shaped teeth.

Will bonding always work?

Tooth bonding really is one of the most effective treatment options out there. It is noninvasive and fixes a myriad of problems. However, despite how effective it is, tooth bonding isn’t perfect.

There are plenty of cases where tooth bonding won’t be enough, such as if the patient’s teeth are already severely damaged or if they’re already infected by too much decay. And, in such cases, the dentist can recommend plenty of other, more effective options after examining the teeth carefully.

What usually happens during the whole procedure?

Of course, there’s the consultation. This is where the dentist discusses the different treatment options, as well as goals. Once a decision has been made, the dentist will use a shade guide to find the perfect composite resin color so that it fits well with the rest of your teeth.

After choosing the color, the dentist will then roughen the surface of the tooth and coat it lightly with a conditioning liquid to help make the bonding material stick better.

Once prepared, the tooth-colored resin is applied, molded and smoothed out until it’s in the proper shape. Then, an ultraviolet laser or light is used to help make the material harden.

After the material has hardened, the dentist will then add the finishing touches and polish the material to make sure that it matches the rest of the tooth’s surface.

All in all, the procedure will only take somewhere around 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete, which is fast when you think about how good the results are going to be. However, more time or even additional visits may be necessary if you’re having more than one tooth done.

Go to your dentist today!

The first step to achieving a better-looking, more radiant smile is to schedule a consultation ASAP with Dr. Ted Haines to discuss what options are available to help you improve your smile! Call today at 360-568-8577 or visit the website at www.tedhainesdds.com.

 

Dr. Haines of Snohomish, WA also proudly accepts patients from Monroe, Lake Stevens, Everett, Mill Creek, Woodinville, and surrounding areas.

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