Dental Bonding from a Cosmetic Dentist
Dental bonding is one of those treatments that a cosmetic dentist performs on a regular basis. It involves applying a tooth-colored composite to repair a damaged tooth or to restore its appearance. Dental issues composite resins are often used to treat include:
- Discolored teeth
- Tooth decay
- Chipped teeth
- Fractured/broken teeth
- Spaces between teeth
How a cosmetic dentist uses composite bonding
Composite bonding is one of the least invasive treatments used in cosmetic dentistry. Unlike other treatments like veneers and crowns that typically require multiple visits to a dentist, composite resins can be used to repair teeth during a single visit.
Composite bonding has emerged as a popular way to fix cavities as it can be color-matched with the patient's teeth, unlike amalgam filling which has a dark grey color that sticks out.
The dental bonding process
The process of repairing a tooth with dental bonding rarely requires the use of a local anesthetic unless a cavity is being repaired. The teeth that will be worked on are prepared using an etching solution to roughen their surface. This makes it easier for the composite to stick to the tooth.
The composite resin has a putty-like consistency when it is applied to the patient's tooth. It is shaped as desired, then hardened with ultraviolet light. The dentist will complete the process by polishing the newly-restored tooth. It usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour to restore a tooth with a composite.
Composite resins stain quite easily, so patients should avoid tannin-rich beverages and foods such as coffee, tea and red wine. Dentists also recommend avoiding tobacco products as they often lead to yellow and brown stains forming on teeth.
Teeth that have been restored with a composite resin do not require any additional care. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily and seeing a dentist twice a year will keep them in good condition. Follow-up treatments can be performed on teeth that have been restored with composite resin to keep them looking their best.
Composite bonding is a minimally-invasive procedure so there are no serious risks associated with it. It should be noted that a tooth that has been repaired with composite resin will not be as sturdy as a natural one. Bad habits, like eating hard candies or biting fingernails, can damage composite resins and lead to chipping. Composite resins can last over two years with good oral hygiene. Follow-up treatments can be performed as often as needed to keep teeth in good condition.
Explore your options
Dental bonding gives you a non-invasive way to deal with a variety of dental issues from discoloration to a broken tooth. These composites are color-matched with the patients' existing teeth to ensure the end result looks natural.
The process is usually done without the use of an anesthetic and it can restore the appearance of a tooth for up to two years. Call or visit our Tucson clinic to learn more about how dental bonding can be used to enhance the way your teeth look.
Request an appointment here: https://jorgealvarezdds.com or call Jorge L Alvarez DDS at (520) 722-1655 for an appointment in our Tucson office.
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