If you have minor cosmetic dental issues that make you want to hide your smile such as stains, or small chips in your teeth, then dental bonding may be the right solution for you. Not only can dental bonding transform the look of your smile by hiding minor flaws, but it is relatively inexpensive compared to other cosmetic procedures.

What is dental bonding? 

Dental bonding is a treatment by which a tooth-coloured composite material is applied to the teeth in order to conceal minor defects such as chips, stains, rotations and sometimes even gaps between teeth. Dental bonding can also be used to fill cavities. 

When you decide to have this treatment, your dentist will apply a gentle conditioner to your teeth so that the composite material will bond securely to the tooth surface. A resin substance is then applied to your teeth and your dentist will mold it into the appropriate shape.  The dentist then uses a special light to help harden the material before buffing it until it has a smooth, shiny surface. 

Typically, dental bonding only takes about 15 minutes per tooth and the procedure is painless. Bonding often requires less removal of enamel compared to other procedures such as veneers or crowns. 

Maintenance of dental bonding

While dental bonding has some clear advantages over more invasive options, there are also some compromises including the fact that bonding material can become stained over time and can be less durable than the porcelain often used in crowns or veneers. 

With proper care however, bonding can last several years. To maintain your bonding and keep it looking like your natural teeth, follow these tips:

• Keep food and drinks that might stain your teeth to a minimum. This includes items like coffee, tea and red wine.
• If you smoke, consider quitting. 
• Avoid biting down on objects that might chip your bonding. This includes your nails, pens, pencils, ice, as well as hard foods like raw carrots, ribs and chicken wings.
• If you notice sharp edges on your bonding, contact your dentist as these can usually be touched up without too much difficulty.

Since dental bonding does require a certain amount of artistic skill in order to achieve optimal results, it is best that you see a dentist who has experience with this procedure. 

If you feel that dental bonding might be right for you, contact Town Smiles Dental today to ask about an appointment.