Some dental treatments are considered restorative, while others are considered cosmetic. Dental bonding, however, is a unique and versatile dental treatment that can provide both cosmetic and restorative benefits to patients by improving the look and health of their smiles.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Sometimes referred to as “tooth bonding,” dental bonding is a type of dental treatment that can be used for both cosmetic and restorative purposes. Dental bonding is a type of composite resin material that can be applied to the surfaces of the teeth, shaped, molded, textured, and smoothed before curing. Dental bonding addresses a wide array of dental concerns.
What Concerns Can Dental Bonding Address?
Dental bonding has both restorative and cosmetic treatment applications, meaning it can be used to improve both the health and appearance of a patient’s smile.
Some of the most common restorative treatment applications for dental bonding include the following:
- Repairing chipped, cracked, fractured, or otherwise broken teeth
- Eliminating tooth sensitivity due to receding gums, exposed dentin, or worn tooth enamel
- Filling in dental cavities (caries) to arrest tooth decay and restore the tooth’s surface
- Strengthening weakened teeth
Additionally, dental bonding is commonly used to address minor smile flaws with the following cosmetic treatment applications:
- Masking permanent stains or discoloration
- Covering visible, silver amalgam dental fillings
- Filling in gaps between teeth
- Correcting an irregularly sized or shaped tooth
- Changing the shape of a tooth
- Making teeth appear longer
- Improving smile symmetry
- Creating composite resin dental veneers
- Create the appearance of a straighter smile
Why Choose Dental Bonding? Dental Bonding Benefits
When it comes to addressing the concerns listed above, patients typically have several treatment options. Dental bonding is a popular choice because it offers several advantages, such as:
- Versatility – Dental bonding is a versatile treatment with several useful applications in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
- Natural Appearance – We dye composite resin to blend in and seamlessly match the surrounding teeth to achieve a natural look.
- Minimally Invasive and Pain-Free – The dental bonding treatment process is non-invasive and pain-free.
- Cost Effective – Treatment with dental bonding is typically less expensive than treatment alternatives such as dental veneers or dental crowns.
- Quick and Convenient – The dental bonding treatment process is quick and easy, and it can usually be completed during a single visit to our office.
When to Consider Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is an excellent treatment to consider when you stand to gain restorative benefits and improved oral health as a result of the treatment. For cosmetic purposes, we recommend dental bonding for patients who do not wish to undergo more lengthy, invasive, costly, or permanent cosmetic dental treatments.
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
Dental bonding can become chipped or stained over time as a result of normal wear and tear. The lifespan of dental bonding depends greatly on the type of treatment and its location. As a result, dental bonding lasts an average of anywhere between three and ten years. Our dentist can talk with you about the average expectations you can have regarding the lifespan of your specific dental bonding treatment.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Dental Bonding
To extend the lifespan of your dental bonding, continue practicing good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush for two minutes twice a day. Floss your teeth at least once a day. Additionally, avoid chewing on hard objects or foods, using your teeth as tools, and frequently consuming highly pigmented foods and drinks. If you participate in sports, wear an athletic mouthguard. If you suffer from bruxism, wear a nightguard to protect your teeth from excessive wear and tear.
If your dental bonding treatment becomes damaged or stained, it can easily be repaired and restored with a quick dental visit.
Premier Affordable Cosmetic Dentistry in Houston
At Premier Dental Club, we offer our patients comprehensive restorative and cosmetic dental treatments, including dental bonding. If you would like to improve the look or health of your smile, we encourage you to contact our office to request a consultation with our cosmetic dentist in Houston. We will examine your teeth and gums and talk with you about your concerns and smile goals to help you determine the best course of treatment to meet your needs.
To learn more about dental bonding, we welcome you to contact our office today.