How Composite Bonding Can Fix Your Smile

Dentist Blog

Composite bonding is a procedure in dentistry that is used for a wide variety of problems. The material is crafted from a composite resin that hardens to look and feel like tooth. If you aren't familiar with dental bonding or what it can do for you, check out these four problems that can be corrected with composite bonding.

Crooked/Gapped Teeth

Most of the time, crooked and gapped teeth are corrected with braces, because braces are the most effective at re-positioning teeth. However, with dental bonding, your dentist can mimic the look of straight teeth, if you have mild to moderate crookedness or gapping. The bonding resin is applied directly to your teeth, and the dentist shapes it to look like real, straight teeth. Some tooth tissue will be removed so the composite material will fit, but less tissue is removed than with dental veneers and crowns. The final look leaves you with teeth that appear to be straight because of the false front.

Discolored Teeth

Most stains are no match for teeth whitening. Even some over-the-counter whitening trays and strips can help eliminate many stains caused by food, beverages, age, or tobacco. However, there are some stains that don't respond well to tooth whitening. Discoloration from trauma, some antibiotics and too much exposure to fluoride during development may not be whitening from tooth bleaching. With dental bonding, however, the material is placed over the discolored teeth/tooth, making them look white.

Chipped/Cracked Teeth

Some teeth may be chipped or cracked from normal wear and tear or trauma. While many patients may opt for veneers or dental crowns to hide cracks or strengthen teeth, others can't afford the high costs. Composite bonding, however, is a much more affordable alternative, and it can also fill in teeth or cover cracks to make them look whole again. This not only helps with your self-confidence, but it can also help prevent decay or infection by protecting the tooth.

Metal Fillings/Cavities

If you have old metal fillings or new cavities, you're in luck. Metal fillings are no longer the norm when it comes to filling holes from cavities. The same composite resin used in dental bonding can be used to make tooth-colored fillings. They are not as durable as metal fillings, but they don't damage the tooth, and less healthy tooth tissue must be removed to hold the filling. You can have all your metal fillings replaced to regain a beautiful, healthy smile.

If you have cosmetic dental concerns, and you are looking for an inexpensive solution, consider dental bonding. Dental bonding can correct many issues, including structural and aesthetic. For more information about composite bonding, contact a dentist in your area today.

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11 July 2018

Emergency Dental Care

The average dentist takes many client appointments each day and also deals with emergency situations on a regular basis. Dental emergencies are very common because people are likely to put off having tooth pain fixed until the pain becomes unbearable. Some people have anxiety about dental visits, and others are trying to avoid the expense of dental care. In either case, the end result is often a dental emergency. I have worked as a professional dental hygienist for many years and have seen all types of dental emergencies. I hope that this blog will help people identify potential emergencies before they become too serious and will allow people to know when to get help.