One of the treatment options a cosmetic dentist may employ to improve the appearance of a person's smile is dental bonding. Also known as tooth bonding, dental bonding is a procedure that involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the teeth to achieve the desired result.
When a cosmetic dentist performs dental bonding, the dentist applies a tooth-colored resin to the teeth and then hardens the material by using a light made for this purpose. As the material hardens, it becomes bonded to the tooth, which keeps the material in place.
Dental bonding can be used to correct issues with the teeth or to change the appearance of the teeth to meet the patient's aesthetic goals. Dentists perform tooth bonding procedures for multiple reasons:
If bonding is being done to fill a cavity or change the shape of a tooth, the tooth may need to be drilled before the bonding procedure. Otherwise, the cosmetic dentist begins the process by selecting a resin color that matches the shade of the natural teeth. The dentist then roughens the tooth surface and applies a conditioning liquid to make it easier for the resin to adhere to the tooth. Next, the dentist applies, molds, and smooths the resin into the chosen shape. A bright light or laser is then used to harden the resin. Finally, the dentist shapes and trims the hardened material to achieve the desired result and match the appearance of the natural teeth. The entire process usually takes between 30-60 minutes but may require more than one visit if multiple teeth are being bonded.
Dental bonding is often less expensive than veneers or crowns because the material can be molded and shaped in the office by the dentist, rather than manufactured in a lab. The procedure also requires less removal of tooth enamel. However, dental bonding is not as durable or stain-resistant as veneers, crowns, and fillings. Bonding material typically needs to be replaced or touched up in 3-10 years.
The bonding material is not as strong as natural teeth, so patients are advised to avoid activities, such as nail-biting and ice chewing, that could chip the resin. It is also a good idea to limit the consumption of coffee, tea, and wine and avoid smoking because these substances can stain the resin.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Cosmetic Dentist Dental Bonding in Houston, TX
The dental bonding procedure involves attaching a tooth-colored resin to the tooth to correct discolored teeth, chips, cracks, or gaps. While the material is not as resilient as some other alternative treatments, the procedure is quick, usually less expensive, and with proper aftercare, can last up to 10 years.
Request an appointment or call Hermann Park Smiles at 713-379-2767 for an appointment in our Houston office.
Patients who need to see a cosmetic dentist for teeth straightening have multiple options to choose from. Clear aligners have become a popular option due to the numerous benefits the aligners provide to patients. Clear aligners, which are transparent plastic trays that are used to move teeth into a new position by exerting gentle pressure,…
One of the most popular procedures performed by a cosmetic dentist is teeth whitening. Because in-office treatments deliver immediate results, many people choose to invest in this option to enhance their smile.Although this procedure is performed frequently, many patients are unaware there are steps to take before the appointment that can help ensure the results…
Dental veneers from a cosmetic dentist can correct issues with a person's smile, such as gaps in the teeth, crowding, or mild misalignment, and improve the overall appearance. Establishing a regular routine to care for dental veneers can prolong the life and maintain the aesthetic appeal of the veneers.In many ways, caring for dental veneers…