If you have gaps or spaces between your teeth, dental bonding can offer a great option for improving your smile's appearance. Cosmetic bonding is a procedure you can get from your Wilmington, DE dentist, and it can fix a number of problems with your teeth.
Most Common Uses for Cosmetic Bonding
Made from the same material as the composite resin used for tooth-colored fillings, bonding is used to fix the following dental issues:
- To close a space between teeth
- To give teeth a longer appearance
- To fix a misshapen tooth
- To repair a tooth that is cracked or chipped
- To improve the appearance of a tooth that is discolored
It can also be used to protect the tooth root if it has become exposed because of gum recession.
The Cosmetic Bonding Procedure
This simple procedure is frequently done with no anesthesia unless it is being done fill a tooth that has become decayed. The bonding procedure itself isn't painful but drilling the decayed portion of the tooth can be. It is also a fairly quick procedure that usually takes less than an hour.
The first thing your dentist will do is to match the shade of the composite material to that of your tooth for a good end result.
Next, the tooth surface to be bonded will be prepared by slightly roughening it. Your dentist will apply a conditioning liquid to help the bonding material adhere to the tooth surface.
Then the bonding material is applied and molded into the desired shape. Your dentist will use an ultraviolet light to harden the material.
When the bonded area is dried, it will be trimmed and polished until it blends in seamlessly with the tooth.
Caring for Your Cosmetic Bonding at our Wilmington Office
The composite material used for bonding is particularly susceptible to staining for the first 48 hours after the procedure, so take care not to eat or drink anything that can stain during that time. Be sure to brush your teeth frequently and stay on top of twice-a-year cleanings with your dentist.
If you have a dental issue that can be fixed with cosmetic bonding, give us a call to make an appointment!
