Dental Bonding: What You Should Know

Dental bonding is one of the most economical treatments performed by dentists, and it can be used to fix a wide range of issues. Some of these include:

Stains
Discoloration
Chipped or broken teeth
Crooked teeth
Cavities and other erosion caused by tooth decay

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding involves the use of composite resins to improve the appearance of a person's teeth. The composite used matches the color of the patient's teeth, so it is virtually impossible to tell they have had work done.

During the procedure, the dentist will prepare the patient's teeth for the composite with phosphoric acid. This step roughens the tooth's surface, making it easier to the putty-like composite to stick to it. The dentist then applies the resin directly to the tooth and molds it into the desired shape. The dentist finishes up the treatment by hardening the composite with ultraviolet light and polishing the composite. The whole procedure takes less than 60 minutes per tooth.

As was mentioned earlier, composites can also be used to combat tooth decay. The dentist applies a composite to a cavity after removing any decayed material in it. The composite seals the hole created by the cavity and prevents it from getting larger. Unlike traditional fillings, composite resins blend in with the color of the patient's teeth.

Pros:

Very affordable option
Can be used to deal with a wide range of dental issues
Composite resins blend in with natural teeth
The application of the composite does not damage the tooth it is used on

Cons:

Composites only last around five years
Some composites are more prone to staining than real teeth
Composite resins cannot be used to restore severely damaged teeth
Other alternatives to dental bonding

1. Veneers

Veneers can be used to fix many of the issues dental bonding is used for. It makes it possible to instantly restore the patient's smile. A veneer is a thin tooth-shaped mold that serves as a front cover for teeth, hiding all the stains and discoloration on them.

Veneers make it possible for anyone to have a perfect smile. During the procedure, the dentist normally removes a small portion of enamel to make space for the prosthetic. This step is done to prevent the patient's teeth from appearing larger than usual. Veneers are a permanent solution that can last up to 15 years. They do not require specialized cleaning, and they look just like real teeth.

2. Crowns

Crowns are another popular option when it comes to restoring the appearance of a person's smile. The crown serves two functions; protecting the tooth, and rebuilding the way it looks. Crowns look just like natural teeth, and they can be made from a wide range of materials like gold, silver, ceramics, and porcelain.

A dental crown can last up to 15 years with good oral hygiene.

Dealing with a damaged tooth that needs to be restored? Contact one of our dentists and schedule an appointment.

Are you considering dental bonding in the Walnut Creek area? Get more composite bonding information at https://www.dentistrywalnutcreek.com.