What is Tooth Bonding — and How Can It Help You?
Many people have a smile they’re not completely happy with. They might have stained teeth, small chips and cracks that have developed over the years, or unsightly gaps between their teeth. And it’s unfortunate, but many people ignore these problems or just assume there’s nothing that can be done. But there’s good news! There are lots of options to improve the appearance of your teeth. Today we’re going to talk about one great cosmetic treatment: dental bonding. Dental bonding is sometimes also called tooth bonding, and these names simply refer to a process. “Bonding” generally is the process of adhering a tooth-colored composite-resin material to the tooth. All tooth-colored fillings (or composite-resin restorations) are bonded, and so often get referred to as bonding.
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just for celebrities
One of the reasons many people don’t ask about cosmetic treatments is because of a belief that cosmetic treatments are just too expensive. This simply isn’t true! Dental bonding is an affordable and versatile cosmetic treatment available for anyone who wants to improve their smile and their confidence. Plus it’s minimally-invasive and in many cases you won’t even need anesthesia.
So what exactly is dental bonding? The dental bonding itself is a composite-resin material that can be added directly on your teeth, right where it’s needed. Unlike some other cosmetic treatments, dental bonding with composite resin is: Fast - You’ll see results in just 1 appointment Minimally-invasive - In most cases, we’re not making any permanent changes to your healthy teeth Depending on what you’re looking to achieve with your smile, dental bonding can be a good alternative to more involved cosmetic treatments like veneers, crowns, or braces.
What can dental bonding do? Most of our patients’ issues with the cosmetic appearance of their teeth fall into a couple of common categories: Chips and cracks - Chipped teeth and cracked teeth can be caused by tooth grinding, biting on hard foods, or just natural wear and tear. Discolorations and dark spots - The foods we eat, drinks like coffee, the natural aging process, and even some medications can cause dark and stubborn stains to form on your teeth that make you feel self-conscious and look older. Gaps and crooked teeth - Misaligned teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile and many adults don’t want to deal with the hassle of braces. Dental bonding is incredibly versatile and can help with all of these cosmetic issues! By careful color-matching and application of composite resin, an experienced cosmetic dentist can hide discoloration, restore cracks and chips, and even eliminate the appearance of some gaps between teeth. Be aware however, that everyone is different and only your dentist can help you understand what kind of results you can expect with your dental bonding.
5 benefits of cosmetic bonding Safe & natural - The composite resin material used in bonding treatments is 100% safe for your body. Amazing appearance - Nobody will think you’ve had any cosmetic dentistry work done. Cosmetic bonding is almost indistinguishable from natural and healthy teeth. Comfort - Once completed, cosmetic bonding feels just like your natural teeth. You’ll never even notice them! Minimally-invasive - Unlike veneers or other cosmetic treatments, there are no permanent changes to your teeth in many cases. Fast results - In most cases, you’ll be able to have your bonding done in one visit with little to no anesthetic needed. What are you waiting for? Call Batchelor Dentistry today at (540) 432-9992 to schedule your consultation.
What to expect from your bonding treatment
Dental bonding is a pretty simple treatment and most of our patients don’t even need any anesthesia. During your cosmetic bonding treatment, your dentist will: Prepare the composite bonding material, making sure it matches the desired tooth shade Carefully apply chemical adhesives to the tooth that allow bonding to happen Adjust the shape and contour of the composite on the tooth surface Use a curing light to harden the composite in place Trim, shape, and polish the hardened bonded composite That’s it! Most bonding treatments take about an hour or so and you’ll be back to normal right away.
Treat your dental bonding with care Remember that your teeth are made from the hardest and strongest substance in your body. Unfortunately, dental bonding material isn’t quite that tough! You’ll need to avoid chewing on anything that shouldn’t be in your mouth — things like fingernails or ice cubes. Dental bonding is pretty strong but it can still get chipped or damaged. The composite material used in dental bonding treatments is very stain-resistant but you should still be careful to avoid tobacco products (always a good idea) and darkly pigmented foods. And as always, keep brushing and flossing as instructed by your dentist! With proper care, your bonding treatment can look great and last for years!
DID YOU KNOW: Bonding is not just a cosmetic treatment! In addition to being a great way to make cosmetic improvements in your smile, bonding has another use, too. In the cases of cavities, the dental bonding process may be used for fillings as well. In our practice, we exclusively use composite resin to restore teeth with cavities. This means all of our fillings are natural looking and bonded to teeth, whether it’s front or back teeth. If you stay on track with regular checkups and cleanings, we’ll have a good chance of identifying cavities early and giving you more options for fixing them before they become bigger problems that require more extensive treatment. In addition, teeth that are chipped and cracked aren’t just a problem cosmetically. Even small chips and cracks can weaken teeth, leading to serious fractures — often at the worst times! Dental bonding can be used to strengthen teeth that are chipped or cracked and can reduce the likelihood of a serious fracture down the road.
Schedule your consultation today
At Batchelor Dentistry, we’re here to help you feel great about your health and how your smile looks. If you’d like to find out how dental bonding can fix discoloration, chips, cracks, and even small gaps, let’s talk. Contact our office online to schedule your consultation today.
Dr. Caitlin Batchelor
Dr. Caitlin Batchelor earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Medical College of Virginia . She later completed a 2-year postgraduate General Practice Residency at Wake Forest University Medical Center. Since joining this practice in 2013, Dr. Batchelor has been committed to providing individualized dental care to the specific needs and desires of her patients, taking the whole person and their unique qualities into consideration.
