It may only be a little chip on your tooth, but if it keeps you from smiling, it's time to do something about it. Cosmetic bonding is a simple, affordable solution to many cosmetic dental issues. James Bonny, DDS, explains how bonding can improve your smile. Dr. Bonny offers a range of general dentistry services in Salem, including bonding.
What is bonding?
Bonding is made of composite resin, a plastic-based material that can be easily manipulated. Your dentist chooses a resin to match the color of your teeth and shapes the resin to fit your tooth or cover your particular problem area.
What cosmetic issues can be treated with bonding?
If you have a crack or a chip in your tooth, bonding is an excellent way to repair the tooth. It's often used to fill gaps between teeth, lengthen teeth that are shorter than the surrounding teeth, cover stains, or even change the shape of a tooth. Composite resin bonding is also used in place of silver amalgam fillings making your new filling look just like your natural tooth enamel. When dentists use composite resin fillings, they only need to remove a small area of healthy tooth surface, which means that your tooth is stronger. Cosmetic bonding is can be a great and less expensive alternative to getting the same types of aesthetic improvements that one would with veneers, and we have achieved this many times.
What happens during the bonding process?
Before your dentist applies the composite resin, he places a liquid substance on your tooth that etches it slightly, then applies a coat of pre-bonding liquid. Etching helps the bonding material adhere to your teeth better. Composite resin comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades. Your dentist will compare several shades to find the right one for your teeth.
After applying the bonding material, he'll use an ultraviolet light to harden the composite resin. This final step is essential because it ensures that the bonded area will be just as strong as the surrounding enamel.
Would you like finally get rid of a crack or chip in a tooth? Call Salem dentist James Bonny, DDS, for bonding and other general dentistry services at (801) 423-2244. Transform your smile with bonding!