When Might a General Dentist Recommend Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding has long been a common method of tooth restoration. Your dentist has the knowledge and training to successfully perform this procedure. The dentist will also know when it is appropriate to use bonding to repair a tooth or other oral health or cosmetic issue. There are certain situations where this makes more sense than other options.

How dental bonding works

Bonding is a process where the dentist will use composite resin to improve a patient’s smile. The resin will be similar to the tooth’s natural color. It hardens and fills in gaps in the mouth or replaces parts of a tooth that broke or chipped away. It also fills in cavities that tooth decay causes. To apply the bonding, the dentist will reshape the tooth and etch the tooth to make it rougher. After putting on the resin, the dentist uses a light to speed up the hardening process.

For minor chips

Severe fractures or cracks may require more extensive work such as crowns or veneers. However, for smaller issues, dental bonding could be the right solution. This process would also be much faster, as it can occur during a single visit to the dentist’s office. Conversely, other restoration treatments usually require two or three appointments. When the dentist applies bonding to a chip, it restores the form and function of the tooth.

For spaces between teeth

Gaps between front teeth are common, but they can be annoying. These spaces can be embarrassing and ruin a smile. Metal braces can repair this problem, but dental bonding is faster and more effective in filling in small spaces. The process will be similar to repairing chips. The dentist probably will not even need to numb the patient with a local anesthetic. Depending on how much composite resin is necessary, the appointment may take less than an hour.

To repair cavities

This is perhaps the most common use of dental bonding. Tooth decay will create small holes in the tooth. Untreated, cavities can grow and become extremely painful. The dentist first removes the decay by drilling into the tooth. To make the patient comfortable, the dentist will use a local anesthetic. Once the dentist cleans out the tooth, the bonding fills the tooth to prevent more bacteria from getting into the tooth.

To improve the appearance of stained teeth

Poor oral hygiene and certain eating and drinking habits can stain teeth. For widespread discoloration, teeth whitening products and processes may be the right treatment. However, dental bonding could make more sense for minor discoloration or if only a few teeth need whitening. Because the dentist can make the bonding the same color as the natural teeth, this treatment can be effective. It is faster and more economical than whitening.

A treatment of many purposes

Dentists frequently use dental bonding to treat oral health and cosmetic challenges. To repair chips and cracks, this may be a good way to restore your smile. Talk to your dentist today about whether you are a good candidate for this option. One appointment can improve your appearance.

Request an appointment here: https://www.missionvalleydentalarts.com or call Mission Valley Dental Arts at (619) 805-4248 for an appointment in our San Diego office.

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